F train to 4th Avenue, Dee. 13th, 2013
His gloves were stuffed in his tweed pocket. He thought about whether to write quietly, for what seemed like a long time. Then he agreed. Quiet hesitation is peaceful but alarming, especially with a stranger. He teaches writing.
When the writing
professor is asked
to write a poem
on the subway
After he has been up all night
grading.
He thinks it over.
Being asked by a kind, brown-eyed
woman, wearing jeans, slightly
faded
Ear flap cap
moss green
it’s cold outside.
Two stops to go and
back out into the cold
more grading
And also the grief
that comes from one more
thing being done.