Canadian Traveller

Peering into the void I can discern
Its distant eyes growing brighter – more distinct:

a giant worm ripping through the metropolis’ underbelly
Drawing ever closer to our beacon of light -

awaiting passengers step back, hold their breath
In a cacophony of metallic anger
It slides into the station
A groaning mechanical squeal as it comes to a rest
and putrid wafts of tunnel air invade my nostrils
As if it’s sighing after too much exertion
The doors slide open and groups of eyes are raised from hiding

Accomplices, whether voluntary or not
Begrudgingly crammed against doors and one another –

open scowls and awkward, close proximity
In a land of personal space this is a humbling experience
No two faces are alike – young, old, all colours and odours
I wonder where they’re going and from where they’ve emerged
A blaring sonic undercurrent of headphone music

creates a symphony of indistinct noise
No one speaks amidst the lonely newspapers stuffed between seats
And the sticky spills grab my soles –

fixate me momentarily to this place
Individuality?
Backpacks smack my face as fellow riders twist and turn and push
Each eager to escape
*****
Three hours from here is an empty dock
Grey rocks and clear blue water
I close my eyes and transcend this city.