Airplanes Sound Different Today

My husband got out alive.
He had a plan; he put it into action.
My lifelong fear realized: New York City attacked.
Living in fear of what will happen next.
My children will live in a world where anyone can be the enemy.
The enemy lives and works among us.
The enemy marries us.

Working people killed at their jobs.
Consumed by flames, smoke, jet fuel.
Would-be heroes crushed by steel, soot, asbestos.
Onlookers horrified by such an accident — NO!
It was on purpose!
We've been attacked!

Oh My God!
Oh My God!
Oh My God!

They can't stop looking.
They are mesmerized!
Trying to process this inconceivable information.
The burning towers are surreal.
The falling debris is not!
Papers, glass, the unthinkable

My husband had a chance.
Many others did not.

What if these towers fall?
We've got to run.
Don't turn around.
Let's go!
Carrying files.
Carrying laptops.
Dialing cellphones.
Run for your life.

And me at the corner.
Putting the kids on the school bus.
Discussing the cost of birthday parties.

The phone rings.
Put on channel five — quick!
Why? What happened?
An airplane hit the Twin Towers.

Oh my God
Another one.
It's not an accident.
We are being attacked.

I've got to call Larry.
I've got to get my kids.

Judy, is Larry there?
No. He's not.
Where is he? Oh my God he's in the city.
He is?
Yes. He said he had a 7:30 meeting. Where?
I don't know.
Call me if you hear from him!

I can't watch.
If he's in there, maybe he'll get out.
Maybe he's on a lower floor.
Oh God. Did he tell me where he was going?
I don't remember.
Where is he?

I go to the market.
I take my cellphone.
He'll call me.
He doesn't call.

I try to call Judy.
The cellphone searches for service.
It doesn't find any.

I bring the groceries to the car.
There's Theresa.
She tells me the Towers are gone!
Is that possible?
Oh my God.
Where is Larry?
Was he in there?

She puts my groceries in the car.
I drive home.

I check the answering machine.
There are three messages.
Where's Larry?
Is Larry OK?
Finally: Larry and Chuck and Don are ok.
They are on foot.
They are walking uptown.
The time of the message is 10:15.

Oh thank God!
He's ok.
He's not alone.

Outside:
The Pentagon has been hit.
The Towers have collapsed.
There's a plane down in Pittsburgh.
My landscaper's wife is expecting a baby.

It's too much.
Some are angry.
Some are saddened.
Some are scared.
Some are oblivious.
I feel numb.

It's noon.
He hasn't called.
I try to call his office.
There's no connection.

I wonder.
Did they call before the collapse?
Are they really ok?
Why don't they call again?

The phone rings.
We heard from Larry. He's ok.
When did you hear from him?
Ten minutes ago.
Thank God.

The phone rings all day.
Did you hear from Larry?
Is he ok?
Where is Larry?
We're praying for him.

How will he get home?
I'm waiting for his call.
I will get him when he is out of the city.

The roads are closed.
How will I get him?

What is he seeing?
What is he feeling?
Did he get away before the collapse?
Did he outrun the avalanche?
Where is he?

The kids come home.
Something happened, mom.
What happened?
Alex says the Twin Towers are gone.
Is Aunt Laura ok?
Where's dad?

And then.
There he is walking up the front lawn.
I see pain in his face.
He doesn't see me.
I drop my task at hand.
I run to the front door and out of the house.
His face changes at the sight of us.
He's glad to be home.
He's protecting us from his experience.
I hug him.
Thank God he is home.
Thank God he is alive.

Now it is day four.
But it seems like one long day.
What will happen next?
I hear the military planes overhead.
I know there is an aircraft carrier nearby.
I am afraid.

I put a flag in my window.
I dressed my family in red, white, and blue.
I collect tee shirts and towels and food for the rescue workers.
When will they become recovery workers?
When will we accept the massive murder?
How people hold on to hope and prayer.

Such strength
Such sadness
Such fear

— Gloria Kraemer, September 14, 2001

http://www.gloshideawy.net/airplanes/

9-11 PsalmHome

Copyright Gloria Kraemer 9/14/01