On Fire. Poem by Fay Slimm

The words spell doom as, looming into view
Firey flames leap from plane's engine, and catch
Hold of the hearts of passengers and crew
Alike. The icy chilled air could not match
Their cold fear. Just minutes in flight they hear
Bangs and the message that they're going down
From feet thousands high. Knowing this, they fear
Their end, some begin praying without sound,
Others, shouting aloud, spread gangway fright
Until Captain's clear voice enlightens them,
Explaining the river Hudson's in sight.

His confident manner did much to stem
The panic on board. The plane sent mighty
Splashings on high, and fire died, but came
Now the terror of drowning in water right
Up past the waist, as sinking, they disdained
Protocol, and all rushed outside to icy
Embrace. Shivering limp, they were all saved
As boats alongside appeared in a trice.
With 'grace under pressure' that Captain behaved.

As, with true heroes, he would calmly abstain
From limelight. Yet they will remember his name.


To commemorate the rescue of 155 souls
Hudson River - - January 16th 2009.