flight attendant

by Marie Nunalee

I am beginning to believe
you are in this because you
enjoy the take-offs and the
landings.

I cannot imagine it
to be for the exotic locales
that you are in this industry,
no.

it is that lurch in a body’s
center. that last attempt on
the part of gravity to ground
before the atmosphere opens
its arms.

it is the smiles, the pouring of drinks,
the squeezing
of hands,
the reassurances,
“You’re safe here.”