I was on the phone talking to my wife,
just twenty minutes into my work day.
We were meeting for lunch.
I was confirming the place.
In the distance I heard an airplane motor, coming very close.
And then a terrible crashing sound and a powerful explosion.
I spoke to my wife,”I just heard a piercing roar and an huge explosion,
I’ve got to hang up. I love you, Honey!”
I sat in stunned silence, someone screamed.
It was then I heard a sound I had never heard before:
A roar so loud it hurt my ears, a roar which continued to increase
Till my ear drums ached.
Intense desperate screaming filled the entire room.
I looked out the window and saw objects falling, smoke billowing!
It was then the ceiling gave way!
Plaster, cement, debris, everything falling!
I felt my desk start to tip, my floor crumbling,
A huge slab of cement crashed through from above.
Then all became very quiet!
I was conscious.
I opened my eyes; it was daylight,
There before me I saw my childhood home.
It looked beautiful.
I turned my head to see the street past my house.
It was just like it had always been.
I realized I was on a sidewalk.
Standing very still, pondering “Where am I?”
I started to walk, feeling a sense of peace and anticipation.
Before me I saw a bright light, enshrouded in heavy fog.
I walked toward the light which grew brighter and brighter.
It was dazzling, radiantly beautiful, with many varied colors.
I was drawn to the light!
The street was now gone, the house had vanished,
The light took all my attention.
It was then, as I drew closer to the light, that I heard it:
A voice out of the fog.
It said “Come! Be not afraid.”
A warm and friendly voice.
I felt secure and calm.
As I took a few more steps; the fog parted.
I saw Him!
There he was, standing on a lawn
in brilliantly glowing white garments,
smiling, with outstretched arms.
I recognized Him!
I knew where I was.
At that moment I was overjoyed!
A great sense of peace filled my heart.
What a moment in time!
What an entrance into eternity!
(November 2001)