IMAGES ON A SMALL TV

In memory of those who gave their lives on September 11, 2001.

I didn't watch the news today.

Until I got to work

And saw everyone clustered around

Debbie's pocket TV.

Images from New York,

Images from Washington,

Talking about evacuation,

And plane crashes,

And possible terrorism.

Everyone's talking about it.

What's happening?

The Capitol was bombed?

A plane hit the White House?

News is still sketchy at this hour.

It's terrifying

Not to know.

By 11, it's a lot clearer.

One plane hit the World Trade Center,

Which has now collapsed.

One hit the Pentagon,

Which has been evacuated.

A third, aimed at the White House,

Crashed outside of Pittsburgh.

God, it's terrifying.

In a crisis,

Your thoughts turn to your own first.

Make sure they're all right

Before you worry about anyone else.

Let's see . . .

Sister #3: works in the mall with me.

She's fine.

Sister #2: in New Hamshire with her hubby.

Question mark.

Sister #1: at work? What about the kids?

Did they close the schools?

Mum and Dad: also in New Hamshire.

Haven't heard from them.

I don't think NH's a target,

But who knows?

They probably thought the same

In Pittsburgh.

We don't know what could happen

In the next few hours.

The scariest thing

Is not to know.