Dress coat lying languidly atop his right arm,
Leroy strolled into the kitchen. His wife,
Annie, greeted him with a peck on the cheek.
Sausage and scrambled eggs again,
Leroy noted, as he filed into his
chair at the table. Chattering
Whilst he ate, Leroy pondered
What the day would bring. He shrugged.
Just a typical day.

Getting up to go, he gave his wife
A kiss and, leaning down, Leroy kissed
The forehead of his newborn son, still
Innocent, still crawling, still babbling happily.
The boy will grow up to be a fine young
Man, Leroy mused, not without pride.

Descending stairwell, after stairwell
Of the apartment complex, Leroy
Surveyed the typical sights.
Mrs. Johnson's cat had gotten loose,
Bounding down the staircase, while the
Poor woman scrambled after it.
The cat rather enjoyed the chase.

Old Mr. Smith was arguing with the
Landlord again over a leaky pipe, whilst
A crowd of spectators observed the
Debacle through an open doorway
Leroy chuckled quietly to himself,
And headed out the front door.
The doorman greeted him on his way out.
Just a typical day.

Car horns, engines sputter.
A youth passed by, rock music blaring.
Leroy hurried past these distractions.
Musn't be late, now - A few blocks
To go. Vendors on the street greeted
him warmly, offering him an 'I love
NY' shirt, a hot dog, perhaps even
A pretzel. Leroy declined each in turn,
Favorably, a smile on his lips.

8:00 AM. Leroy entered the
Lobby of his new office building. The receptionist
Waves to him, smiling kindly. It was his old
Girlfriend from college days.
Approaching her, the two chattered
Incessantly over moments past. Not wanting
To lose precious time, Leroy excused himself
And headed for the elevator.

85th floor. 8:10 AM. The view of
The skyline from this vantage point stole
Leroy's breath as he stepped from the elevator.
He quickly reported to his boss's office, and introduced
Himself. His new boss, a balding, plump, warm
Fellow, shook his hand amiably and put
His hand on Leroy's shoulder. The two toured
The office, at last falling upon Leroy's desk.
A beautiful view of the skyline. Leroy unpacked,
And set to work.

8:30 AM. Pondering over some insurance
Figures, Leroy reaches to take a sip of
Coffee from his cup. Ripples in the liquid.
A dark shadow. Leroy gazes calmly at
The window ahead. The mug falls. Ceramic
Shatters agains hardwood.
The jetliner rips through metal and
Glass, ripping through Leroy as well.

Just a typical day
When the world changed.