One Capsule of Time

Excited, and hearts beating with anticipation
five of us held hands... declaring, "We're in this together!"...

We rose into the clouds,..as fast as a bullet
In a stainless steel capsule...like amateur astronauts, ...
We looked at each another with wide eyed expressions.
"Such country bumpkins!"...."Do we look it?" I laughingly asked my husband.... 
Blood in our veins rushed with nervous excitement
"Hey, kids,  count the floors!...Can you truly believe it?"  
"Almost to the top!!"  Then, they'll open the door

A soft spoken gentleman, wearing a bushy, yet neatly trimmed, mustache,
smiled and said to us...."Your first time, I can see?"..

He wore a uniform, (host, or guide, I supposed)... with the warmest smile.
"If you like,....I can point out places of interest for your children?"...he offered, kindly.

Our three children nodded in delight.

When the steel doors opened, we stepped into a large room
Making our way through the milling crowd, we found a spot for observation.
Our mustached gentleman, chuckled when we gasped for air,
then saw for the first time, the incredible views...

As if looking down from heaven...

City lights flickered on, and we knew what it was like to look upon the stars...
Only, this time,  the constellations were below us...!

A magnificent city spread out before our eyes...
       Stunned speechless,  we were breathless...
      
Our new friend pointed out Ellis Island, the bridges, Statue of Liberty...
"Oh yes", ....he said,...."over there, ....is New Jersey"
"And there,...that is Staten Island.   "Do you see the ferry?"
A toy it was, upon the bay.......so calm it was upon the day

He charmed our young daughter, and impressed our sons with his knowledge..

Here...on top of the world... in a magnificent twin marvel....

Oh, dear God....the innocence....of all the unknown...
Oh, dear God....the significance of what we now know...

  one brief capsule of time....
      in company of one kind gentleman, who wore a friendly mustache


   We will never forget that day................or him................. Oh, dear God....
                                   


_________________________________________________________
True story....and dedicated to the kindness of one stranger....
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Gildersleeve Avatar
June 28, 2013 at 4:06 PM
Carrie I need to copy and paste congratulations on all your wins. My fingers are getting tired tapping on my IPad keyboard, lol. Big congrats on your win. Warm Smiles, Connie
Onclaud Avatar
June 25, 2013 at 11:52 AM
enchantingly beautiful with such positive mood, carrie... congrats on your win!...:) huggs
Ober Avatar
June 25, 2013 at 10:31 AM
I loved everything about this, Carrie. The overwhelming excitement at the beginning, your descriptions of NYC's lights like "constellations below," and that heart-wrenching twist at the end. Thank you for sharing this bittersweet story with us. Congrats on your win in my contest!
Sirak Avatar
June 9, 2013 at 2:56 PM
Such a heartbreaking twist at the end. Sometimes moments with strangers leave the most lasting impressions
Jones Avatar
June 7, 2013 at 7:59 PM
Oh Carrie ...how marvelous.... it's wonderful when people who are kind enough to be so observant, make a difference especially when children are involved..good luck....
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace