Fire and Steel

I woke up and drove to work
I dodged cars and buses
heading to the core of New York City
like I do everyday, to the Word Trade Center

I actually got there early
The day went on as it usually did
then there was noise outside, like a train
no, more like jet engines, headed toward the tower; my tower

that plane flew right into the building
about twenty floors under me
it sounded like a train, screeching to a halt
then there was the fire

it was a heat wave
it radiated through the building
scorching everything in its path
and blocking the only escape

my co-workers tried to go down the stairs
even though they were sure they couldn’t
a few of us stayed at the office, I included
so I could say goodbye to my wife

I called, and she was in hysterics
she said there had to be a way to get out
I told her there wasn’t, but I was going to be okay
I was ready to go, and she would see me again someday

I opened my office window, and stared down
my hands started to sweat, and my heart raced
I took off my glasses, stool on the window sill, and said a prayer
I looked back, fire engulfing the office, my co-workers saying their goodbyes

I stepped off that sill, and hurdled myself toward the ground
the wind making everything almost silent
my last moments on this earth, peaceful
my last words: "Sara, please, I'm sorry I left you like this. I love you."