SARDINE

rush-hour crush packed in a sardine can
robot faces betray no emotion
eyes stare straight ahead to avoid accidental contact
pressed up tight against complete strangers
tipped off balance as the carriage lurches and swings
whiffs of perfume and sweat
incessant tinkle of earphones
entertain erotic fantasies about demure office girls
check for texts
skim the ads
recheck for texts
a thousand journeys
from a to z
appointments
meetings
assignations
crises to overcome and crosses to bear
single files and double lives
destinations about to unfold