Aerophobia-The Fear of Flying

Apprehensive and panic-stricken
I practice assuming the crash position .
While a “ fasten seatbelt” sign flashes
like a beacon, foretelling our demise,
cool beads of sweat form on my forehead.
A paralyzing anxiety washes over me.
My knuckles are chalk white as
my hands grip the armrests.
I try to swallow but my throat is dry as dust.
I frantically push the bell to summon an attendant.
I need water…..anything!
She appears looking concerned
and I’m impressed how calm she remains 
in such a dire situation.
My knees tremble as I once again
examine my seat, ready,
should I need it as a flotation device.
Feeling uncontrollably trapped,
my chest tightens, my lungs scream for oxygen.
Suddenly the plane lurches, the engines roar, 
then silence.
Oblivious to those around me,
terror has me tight in her grasp.
A pounding headache
tortures my disconnected thoughts.
A sudden wave of imminent diaster engulfs me.
Assuming the worst,
I close my eyes and pray for a miracle.
In response, comes the ominous announcement,
"Ladies and gentlemen,
we will be taxiing to the runway momentarily,
we apologize for the delay.’’
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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A  Avatar
November 3, 2015 at 9:42 PM
Liz, :) Congratulations on having your poem featured in the soups, Home Page. ~SKAT LOVE~
Brown Avatar
February 13, 2012 at 7:47 AM
Congratulations on your great win in Debbie Guzzi's "Fear" contest Liz. Love, Carol
Ronthorpe Avatar
February 12, 2012 at 6:50 PM
I really enjoyed this poem. Congrats on your win in Debbie's contest........................... S.Ronthorpe
A   Avatar
February 12, 2012 at 1:57 AM
LIZ,,, SWEET VALENTINE.. AND A WONDERFUL , congratulations... ON your wonderful win In Debbie's contest.. enjoyed your poem. have yourself a wonderful valentines~ always* xox~PD
Sweetheart Avatar
February 11, 2012 at 8:16 PM
congrats Liz on a wonderful win for this dynamite write on fear of flying.. never had that phobia but feel bad for those who do..luv..
Johnson-Saunders Avatar
February 11, 2012 at 7:08 PM
LOL. You have described me to a tee. I once flew with no problem. Now I white knuckle all the way. Congrats on your win! I am putting this in my faves to remind myself how IRRATIONAL I am. Blessings, Rhonda
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
February 11, 2012 at 7:21 AM
Congratulations Please forgive the cut and paste congratuations I must do today it does not diminsh the feeling behind the congratulations or the quality of the work presented. mum not well need to go out xx
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
February 11, 2012 at 7:21 AM
Congratulations Please forgive the cut and paste congratuations I must do today it does not diminsh the feeling behind the congratulations or the quality of the work presented. mum not well need to go out xx
Pritts Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 10:00 AM
The anticipation of things to come is the worst part. Another good write Liz. Rockman
Freeman Avatar
July 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
Very realistic, Liz, Thanks for sharing! jm
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