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Death or injury is nearby in our workplace, and at a moment's notice.

Trapped

After my working downtown over twenty years
it happened in a tall building's stalled elevator
I pull up and stand to help her get on her feet
We are the only occupants and both are embarrassed
My reassuring words bring a nod to
my suggestion that we lie down should the car fall
Too freighted to talk we stare at the other
assessing the one with who we might die
From her purse she hands me her card to
say who she is and I hand her mine
She is Grace and I think how appropriate
and reading my name she knows another John
We swap our big smiles approving
a new friend before melting into fear of dying
We groan when the lights go out and
I speak to ask if she needed my hand before
moments of total silence then fingers touch
and move up my arm as if crossing a street
Loud noises as the firemen force open the doors
to smile upon seeing that solace had been found


F William Broome 2008