View

I sit in the dark
Scenic view car
Tossed about like
A salad in a tiny pool
Of light at a table for four
Of which I am the only one
Present as is the case at all the
Other tables as the predator
Readers come out at night
Each with their prize book
Or gizmo hunching over
It guarding their feast
Of whatever variety
As the train rolls
Side to side
Each jolt
Part of
The
Rail
Charm.
I fully expect
To dimly discern
Shapes of a large size
Hanging from the ceiling
In the dark corners of each
Rail car as I make my way
Back to my Presidio de
Soledad, my fortress
Of solitude my
Roomette
Sleeper
Berth
Snug
Behind
My locked
Door secure
From human contact
Through the pitch and
Toss of the train until
Morning light will
Banish dark
Forms at
Breakfast
Where I will
Say my grace,
Lord make me able
To shift the grub
From the
Table.