Night Train To Scarborough. Poem by Michael Kersting

Union Station, Toronto

It is Midnight.

I stand and wait for the next train to pull in.

A woman plays a sax nearby

A jagged rendition of “Summertime”

her cap in front of her

waiting for a coin.



The train pulls in

I waited for travellers to get off

then I boarded and sat down

Inside is quiet

The doors are closed the train pulls away

I see people of all races get on and off

at the various stops along the way

and wondered at the multi cultures of Toronto.



The passengers are silent

Some wrapped in their thoughts

Some asleep; some reading

The young lady sitting opposite had unusual eyes

the pupils were cat like!

she was eating from a bag of snacks

Overcome with curiosity I asked her

if they were her real eyes

she nodded and continued eating

she got off at the next stop

before I could ask her further questions.



The train pulled in at my station

I got off to catch the RT for home.

still baffled if the girl’s eyes were real.