Between Stations

The train leaves soon The sitter arrives in ten Five minutes to bathe Meal prepped, bag packed Bills on the table One stamped crimson A note to save for vacation A want for more I can't be late Her recital in thirty Third grade matters The teacher says Again and again Running from the station Palm trees on a poster pass me by Just a little more She scans the room Eyes lock — she beams Tassel left to right Senior year, touch and go Late nights, coffee shots Learning doesn't stop Ocean spray must wait She did not need more White and gold — her favorites Bell chimes Petals line the aisle Hands linked, we walk Quick thought: Twenty-five is young So much sand left Veiled in eager white — It is her— From the train window Graffiti and ad boards stare back Radiation results are in Put things in order, he said Fifty is young Making final appointments Palm trees on a poster pass me by There is no more.