Celebration vacation
on an island paradise
interrupted by cellphone alert:
“incoming missile, seek shelter, this is not a drill.”
This is not funny; nowhere to hide
surrounded by pacific (?!) ocean
hold down panic, prepare for end:
finish make-up, style wet hair, choose the shoes.
Say urgent prayer for
interception; resort reception is
too busy helping people check in…
wonder if soon we all be checking out?
Counting down final few minutes,
text message of love and faith
to adult children at home:
“God holds us all in His loving hands.”
Sense calming peace, sit by spouse
watching news update of human error
that pressed false alarm
sigh wave of relief, grateful to live another day!
a poem in my pocket 