Subway photo by Robert Stribley

Subway Poems

Over a couple of years, I wrote a series of subway poems. Here they are now all together. Like train cars lined up neatly in a row.

Illustration by Helena Jepsen

Subway Poem 1

These skittering people on the train
Avoiding the berth of a huddled man
Fearful of his fear, his dissipation
The most helpless ever receiving the least help

4/20/2008

Illustration by Helena Jepsen

Subway Poem 2

When the doors slid open
He left his seat and looked back
To confirm he’d left nothing behind
Though some years before he left his spirit
But did not pause to confirm its disappearance

4/21/2008

Subway Poem 3

Her on the subway reading Jung
Eyes aflutter, though, never settling
A permanent smile, dark…