LAX to O’Hare, Flight 191-

I remember what I read about the plane ride.

Flight 191.

It wasn't plucked from the air midflight,

Not struck by lighting or something.

They didn't even make it halfway to O'Hare.

Imagine the screams, jaws unhinged to express utter disbelief

That they were going to die.

The attendants... what did they do?

Lie, to make the passengers 'safe'?

Lie to themselves?

Smile, or scream with the others,

Begging to be saved?

Pleas to put all of their sins behind them,

And move forward, granted more days?

The captain, sweat dripping down his brow,

Did he give up?

Or did he try to fight until the end?

Did his knowledge give him reason to stop trying?

Did he cry, the one with all of the power at his fingertips?

The mothers, the fathers, the sweet children,

Screaming, holding each other close.

Is it protection, or something else?

Is it a will not to die alone so strong,

That they press their children to their chest?

Over 270

Dead.

The unsuspecting faltered

As flight 191 took off.