A City's Mouth

We swayed as a group

bumping along the subway's rails,

each in a different stage of awakeness.

/

I cuddled down into hard seating,

folding my hands over and over,

an hour of shifting comfort.

/

A younger man cradled his guitar,

stickered and colorful casing,

humming to something silent.

/

All eyes pointed inward, outward,

some forward and some

looking at nothing.

/

Shuffled makeup, lids clicking,

hush of a finished newspaper

zipped into a bag.

/

We finally sighed,

gathering gently,

readying feet and arms.

/

The city rose from the ground,

lights flashing through slim windows,

a rush over ocean water tracks.

/

Steady as brakes ground their teeth,

a platform ready for give and take,

the city screaming through yawning doors.