A FLIGHT OF PASSENGERS poem

By Richard L. Provencher

Thu, 23 Apr 2009

A Flight of Passengers

During flight check-in and
weighing parcels tourists review
timetables. Through security-aisles

nail-biting customers
worry about overweight
carry-on-bags, hoping pocket
pens don’t trigger
alarm bells
nerves can’t accept. Spouses

anxious, knowing their spouses
are tense. Finally an okay from
the electronic wand officer. Retrieving
keys, wallets, pocket change.

Later on the plane:
“Pretzels? Cookies?” attendants
ask, a peace offering for earlier turmoil.

Published April 2009 Vol 3
Ottawa Arts Review
University of Ottawa
ISSN 1911-4931