photograph by Paul Stevens

Road Trip

Our passes were being made when the first plane struck.
     I was confused
We were walking into the Frozen Libary at Plum Island when the second plane
attacked.
     A silent panic filled my heart
A room of frozen death surrounded us. Freezers filled with tissue samples
taken from animals dying with horrible diseases. Freezers adorned with warnings and
bio-hazard labels. The Island's history of death.
     with horror
By the time we were outside again all four planes were down. The skies over
Long Island sound were quiet and the sea empty.
     I knew war was here.
The Island shut down and our ferry was being escorted to the mainland. On the
way back I turned to Paul and said," I hope you know Ground Zero is everywhere."
     I heard the war dogs howling.
That night I cried.
     I still do.

-Landon Pillow