The Attack

I can hear the explosions

From far off in the distance

Getting closer.

Airplanes can be heard

Rushing past overhead,

Another attack is to start.

Sirens inform us

To take shelter.

The bombing is closer this time.

I stay by my family

Keeping near them

Not wanting to be separated.

People rush by on all sides

Adding to the confusion.

Children are crying

Unable to understand what's happening.

With the destruction of past nights

Fresh in our minds

And we hope our homes

Will still be standing tomorrow.

It's easy to feel the fear

Hanging above everyone.

The ground shakes above us

And the lights flicker

In response to the detonations overhead.

Parents hold their children close

And lovers embrace each other

Praying and waiting for it to end.

Finally it stops

And the clamor of the planes fade away.

Everyone emerges from the shelter

Knowing some can't go home.

Even though we are prepared

All are shocked

By the devastation around them.

Their city, their country, their home.