The world stops

if only for a moment. 

Thousands of eyes glued to screens filled with colors

of red, black, and orange. 

Sirens and screams blare,

personifying the panic and frenzy 

of shared terror.  

 

Time halts,

displaying a batter city

encompassed with smoke and fire. 

Cries for missing loved ones

and God himself

are drowned out by the 

firetruck's screeching lights. 

A hazy, scarlet mist 

shadows the ground, 

reminding every viewer of so many 

lost souls. 

 

A heart falters,

the owner's silhouette oulined by 

the roaring flames. 

Another hand grips the first

and they look desperately at each other,

both faces covered with soot, blood, 

and tears. 

One takes a shaky breath, 

nodding to the other, 

and with a silent prayer,

they jump.