You are in an elevator, in a vulnerable state

Hear the thrumming cables

as loops reverberate

Ponder strength of pulleys

Question friction of the brake

Your hand holds tight the rail

and you do not shift your weight

The multitude of yous in dusty mirrored walls

attend your whispered fears,

but reflections hear no calls

Fear of heights is heightened

when swift elevator stalls

Lights above flinch-flicker

Something in your stomach crawls

Attention jumps to corner

There’s a stranger standing there

No, it’s only a reflection

of your sudden panicked stare

You note there is no phone

just two wires hanging bare

Likely vandalized by teen

who owns cellphone thin as air

One side of you stays calm,

while the other button punches

You want a quick solution

to the way stomach crunches,

rollercoasts, double-twists,

‘til tightened gut bunches

You turn to mirror for assurance

but all you have is life insurance

Before death can overtake

you hear a motor re-engaged

You watch relief return to mirror,

and witness all the weeks you’ve aged

Though unaware, you mutter prayers

( for the soul responds when paged )

You thank your God and touch your heart,

His muscle, in you, caged

c) C. Butler 2004