“10 Seconds Down”
(Inspired by “The Falling Man”)
An explosion on an upper floor sounding like an earthquake
no understanding of what just happened
unable to get downstairs
trapped in a room that grows hotter every second
Heat and smoke making it difficult to breathe
it feels like a thousand degrees
nowhere to run
no options left to choose
89 stories above the ground
People screaming in horror
messages to loved ones back home
increasingly grow more frantic
saying “I love you” for the very last time
Prayers to be rescued going unanswered
the heart racing faster with every pounding beat
trying to fight back the tears
could this be Dante’s Inferno?
This can’t really be happening
it must be just a dream
there is too much to live for
families waiting at home
the mortgage is almost paid off
holidays will be coming soon
No longer able to see two inches ahead
choking on thick, black smoke
a desperate need to breathe one last time
trying to escape a certain death
hanging out of an open window
seconds running out
To think the unthinkable
a split second decision…
Freedom at last,
if only for a brief moment
floating through the sky
clinging to what’s left of this life
A million thoughts flashing in an instant
ten seconds to go
seeming like an eternity
clear blues skies all around
can’t hear the sirens down below
Drifting endlessly
a peaceful calm is in the air
the next world soon awaits…
For Jonathan Briley and 200 others
Jay Mucci
The Beat Patrol 