Walking through
a train’s tap worth of gazes –
some blurred, excited or plain,
going against the grain,
side steps and slides make it
to paper layered seats.
Feet rest whilst others dash
towards each carriage door,
garbage bags in hands
slowly bursting with used news
beneath automated directions
luring clusters on board.
Familiar refreshments girls
rattle cabinets of crumbs,
stretching lingering coffee clouds
above our half read novels,
ear plugs of tinny thumps
or business calls, too early and loud.
Rhythmic churns fade to halt
for the face off between glass,
both sides drumming ‘open’
ahead of the static freeze
before silent passing bys
sandwiched by destinations torn.