The fire alarm blared a wail that awoke

The fire alarm blared, a wail that awoke,

like thunder that rumbled, unyielding, bespoke.

I leaped from my bed, heart racing with dread,

only to find neighbors in pajamas, misled.

Our shared confusion, a moment so brief,

a bond born of chaos, of false fears and grief.

The shrill red light glowed, yet we laughed at the mess,

relieved for the moment, but still in distress.

We stumbled through hallways, the sound in our ears,

realizing together, it fed on our fears.