The Morning Commute As Instructed By The Train Poem by A.K. Cola

Hypnotized by the train's calamity, clacking along the abbreviated pulse
of bass notes. Corners of a smile dry from anxiety medication, decorate rough patches
of skin
to signify morning has come,
to rectify tap water rolling off the tongue and cheek.

Unaware the train would interrupt the morning commute
anxious drivers veer into the left lane, exit to a new traffic maze
to attend work on time, or day-care drop drop off, or the confines
of public education. STUDENTS MUST ABIDE TO A STRICT TIME TRIAL!

air holds a sigh in the same style as cigarette smoke
but the ashes from a sigh dance to the bottom
while cigarette ash portends the extended
wave goodbye, stuttering to a lull
like a masterpiece painted on scratch paper.

Hum-drum
of capitalism
insists we work
like we don't need the money.

to budget 20 dollars
through the work week.5.00 for gas
and the rest in promises
from the food pantry.

Responsibility
states we're paid for
and that we buy in

Railway signal ceases flashing red,
arms extend heavenward
inviting us to go the distance.

grateful the train's routine
interrupted ours
to the new day
we become