On The Train
I remember I was on the train from London, I had gone to somerset house
I was wearing glitter and a tiara
soaked in rain, I had watched my cousin
walk the runway for VogueRites
I was writing in my journal, about my day.
This guy was watching me.
I could see him in the corner of my eye
just staring at me while the train was zooming down the line.
After about 30 minutes.
I took my headphones off and glanced at him.
He said immediately,
what are you writing?
like he was waiting to get his word in, hoping he wouldn't miss his little window to speak.
Just my thoughts, I'm a poet. What about you? Are you creative?
His eyes lit up, but he downplayed himself with his words,
not really I do write sometimes maybe add little rhyme.
I asked if I could see,
then he said,
you first show some to me.
Performer mode turned on, I recited a poem I knew of by my heart,
i cant survive
without my lipgloss
it stays by my waistside
it feeds my soul
when i place the
gloss pan mi lip
like liquid gold
i can never be
out here looking
ashy
some of unna
lick your lips
to lubricate your lies
you mussa left
your vaseline behind
mi nah swallow
nuh lie
i can see through
your facade
the real you ain’t
so kind
i place the gloss on
my lips
to seal one last kiss
i outta ya life
do not try call my line
He smiled, stared at me for a while.
I reached out my hand.
Show me yours.
He pulled out his phone,
scrollled and pondered,
shook his head
till he found a poem to be read.
It was about performing to be something you are not, I think I can't remember
I do remember I liked it.
We shared more poems, talked about life.
He told me he had a kid that was five.
He had just turned 19.
I did the math.
He was 14 when this child came to be.
Maybe I was being too nosy.
how old was the mother? Was she the same age?
He said
NO
she's your age
just a little older
by two years maybe
I was 24.
That means she was 26
and if I did the math right
21
that means she is a rapist.
He nodded his head after
I'd figured out all the math.
I said
I'm sorry.
He said
it's not your fault.
We got off the train, we talked some more
in sharing our art
we built bridges
to each other's heart
I told him to keep going.
He said you too.
I asked if he wanted a hug.
We held each other tight and said good goodbye.
I have never seen him again
but by chance he reads this
I hope you are okay with love from a friend
Comments