Elevator

When I step in an elevator I expect a simple ride Quickly to my destination Quietly I wait inside Politely nodding to the others Sharing that short ride with me Always thoughtful, unsuspecting I would ever fearful be On that fateful day while lifting Came upon a sudden surge Seems a lifetime flashed before me Quick escape my only urge Down we dropped, it seemed forever Must have been a hundred miles Screams of terror now engulfed us Frowns replaced our simple smiles In an instant, motion halted From the ceiling, hit the floor Human carnage, sounds of weeping Wondering if we’d fall some more Seeking some communication Grabbed the cabinet telephone Could not raise a single person We were left there, all alone Panicked, screaming for a rescue Banging on the inner door Once again, saw our lives fleeting Had no sense what was in store Then, with hope, a sound above us Rescue from a fire crew Panel in the ceiling opened Safety as they pulled us through When I face an elevator I recall that day’s great fears I expect from this day forward I will always take the stairs