we, long unmet friend—
warmth of home betwixt subways
—, graze paths to part ways.

lost in thought, ignore mom.
sit to eat… “you don’t deserve dinner!”
big sigh.

wisps of untied dreams,
sensations out of context.
waking, in a warm bed

crowded thoughts hustling
through neural trains down the lines
like city, like mind

colors set aflame
saturated with context
your pure blue hue

white sky as canvas
leaves falling like man’s wishes
why can’t I catch one?

all causes and all affects.
each time rain hits my face,
automatic blink.
_

pizza scent wafts by;
not for me and not for you.
my heart is broken.

the stall door creaks open;
oh no, I thought I locked it!
pure embarrassment.

intent to do work!
sat with textbooks and papers.
… napped for two hours.

“today, i’ll wear heels.”
well, i got compliments, but
no ride. sore walk home.

knock out on the bus,
start to lean on soft shoulder.
stranger’s! stop! close call.

“miss, fix your neckline,
you’re giving everyone a show.”
he drapes his coat on me.