Coming off the ramp at 100 clicks
airport swung into view.
Above, a jet at 1 o'clock,
on approach to Runway 2.
Strange how planes can grasp the eye
with the danger of rapid descent.
Sudden shared moment with passengers
who race toward strip of cement.
Upon second glance, despite turbulence,
I took note of sleek underside
The landing gear much required
was still tucked "safely" inside.
With seconds left, I was mesmerized.
Was I to see a fireball?
Would I soon be an inquest witness,
with a true nightmare to recall?
Only 50 feet above certain death,
as my heart banked into my throat,
the jet sprang back, into the blue,
vaporizing visions of smoke.
A sudden sonic boom.... of prayer,
cascaded down into my soul.
"Close call", I managed to whisper,
along with air traffic control.
As the plane rose, my heart unfroze,
dripdropped back into my chest,
like moisture condensed on the wings
of a jet escaping distress.
The car, the speed and the road reappeared,
as the G-force of life arrived.
I snapped down into the seat of my pants,
relieved that no one had died
In my rear view, the airport shrank,
but that moment loomed large in my mind.
A reminder that this fragile existence
can be recalled at any time.
c) C. Butler 1998
