I lean silently to the alcove
And listen
Two strangers speak
She regales
The tortures of canceled routes
The ignorance of drivers
The self-service of car owners
The follies of the Metro
But I watch him
He agrees, nods, tells his story
Pleasantly. Efficiently.
He notes they have another ten minutes
They continue to talk
Boarding, I watch them go
He sits several rows back
On the opposite side
Shorter, less dressed or shaven, prettier than
I realize
I am that man.
