If everything else fails
Diana V. Almeida
Though studies show the very
unlikely probability of falling
over the ocean at night
from the cruising altitude
of 35,000 feet at 470 knots per hour,
that is, to be more precise, 540,8666 miles
per hour, with one accident in 4,5 million flights
we (who have read about Icarus) always
pay attention to the safety instructions performed
with a sad steady smile by the attendant mimicking
the procedures so that, in case of a sudden cabin de-
compression
due to explosion fire fuselage defect or bad luck
when dropping at the rate of 177 feet per minute
feeling gravity’s pull amid the growing panic
until in roughly 210 seconds your body hits
the cold ungiving waters,
ignoring the risk of contagion you
take off your mask put on the oxygen mask
and keep breathing normally
to reach up to the compartment above your seat
get the inflatable life jacket pull it
over your head adjust the strings
take off your shoes leave all
your belongings behind and get out by
the closest emergency exit for you
know that you can always blow the whistle
and count on the light
to signal your loss.
Nothing is set.