Airborne

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Airborne

©2010, Olan L. Smith


As I trek through my place of birth

Upon a solitary viaduct―

I see your airborne form

But not by your own authority do you aviate,


Rather― you are propelled by a lone detonation.

You are tumbling downward from a darkened, tumultuous atmosphere

A churning, boiling cauldron of scorching air-

I step aside as you land hard by―


I extend my hand, surprised to see you breathing,

A living corpse with blackened eyes and snarled appendages

Through them you view my features.

Lifting one arm toward mine


I decline saying, "Do not stir―you will injure, more―

Hold fast my child."

You ask me, "Are you my guardian angel?"

I reply, "Today―I am."

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