Commuter Train Trolling

The red flashing lights as the train

Whizzes across the road,

Launches a visual rhythm

That lulls me into a dull, empty space.

Suddenly a single red bloom in the window

Hooks my eyes, like a fisherman

Absentmindedly trolling the river,

Is jerked awake by a nibbling at his bait.

In a split second I am caught in a

Whirlpool of wonderment: Why is

The commuter expressionless, abject,

Refuting the vibrant flower in his hand?

I think of the intended recipient,

And of such a proclamation of love;

A statement made singly and explicit,

To ensure no mistake in its meaning.

Then, just as quickly, the images

That swamped my mind, are gone,

Releasing me to go on,

Crossing over to the world of reality.

Naida Lavon

2007