Bursting joints

Aching pains and

Eternal escalators

But at least!

Long fingernails

Painted rusty red

Tap dirty metal

Bottle head

Fingers’ beat blends into rumble

And rumble fades with parting train

Union Station street lamps

Spotlight grey rats in the rain.

Children laugh and dance,

Smiles ocean wide.

Men in suits stare in silence,

Sauntering home to sad wives.

And I’m going to work.

Train to New York

Leaves without me.

Baltimore bus

And a prayer for warmth.