before the storm

base

i hopped on the train

a little earlier than usual

and tried not to look too surprised

as I found a seat

(luxury!)

a frowny late-middle-aged guy

sat opposite, to the right

writing “FENCER”

on his crossword

to the left

a small girl stole glances

at me

in between stealing a few words

from a comic

that seemed to be in Viet

I looked around

trying not too look too obvious

wondering

where these people were going

and wondering

when I’d feel a little more at ease.