Fingers Crossed Poem by Bernard Franklin

Although I’m scared of flying,
(I always dread it on the day) .
I take pills to settle my stomach,
but I feel sick most of the way.

As we start to take off down the runway,
( I always close my eyes) .
My fists I clench, I start to sweat,
and dig my fingers in my thighs.

Once the plane is up and airborne,
(I start slowly to unwind) .
The stewardess makes a fuss of me,
she’s really very kind.

As I look outside my little window,
(I can see how high we are) .
I forgot to say I’m scared of heights,
I wish I’d gone by car.

After several double brandies,
(I’m really starting to chill out) .
Dutch courage is a god send,
of that there is no doubt.

I’m told we’ve lost one of our two engines,
(so it’s going to be a longer flight) .
I pray we don’t lose the second one,
or we’ll be stuck up here all night!

As we approach the landing runway,
(this bit really is the worst) .
It would be nice to land in one piece for once,
I think I must be cursed.

As the engine shuts down upon our arrival,
(the co-pilot turns to me to say) .
“ Another excellent flight than captain,
You’ve really earned your pay! “