8:14 a.m.
Green Train
Boston
riding west

that’s her
girl
the dream
dangling from a strap
undulating
the uneven track

eyes
pale emeralds
apple cheeks
hair like teak

then
the gems
meet your
milky spectacles
they flicker
slight pupil
dilation
begins the wedge
an infant smile

down the tunnel —
introductions
first kiss
passengers clap
romantic
they’ll say
so perfect
they’ll say

oh
you’ll have your
problems
nothing
you can’t work out

you propose
write vows
guests approve
with moistened eyes

I’m pregnant
she says
the first of three
and two cats

20 years celebrated
something special
bursts of confetti
diamond Tiffany’s
surprise

50 years gone
kids de-nested
travel the world
touch of Venice
Paris culture
Belgian cuisine

retirement
Golden Oaks
wheelchair pair
your mind goes first
she watches

you pass together
withered hands clasped
deep into dawn
inseparable
to the end

but no
her body shifts

you know
she knows
attraction yes
though neither will act
neither sparks electric

train screaming
slowed to mud
SHHH
she exits
no second glance

tempted to follow
you don’t
you’re not
so impulsive as that

doors shut
mouth stopped tight
train pushes west
you return
to your book