DESCRIPTION
A poem in memory of many wasted mornings spent waiting for the train when I commuted to work in London. It seemed like an endless torture ! Working from home is sheer luxury now, when I look back on what I used to have to do! [211 words]
ABOUT
THE AUTHOR
John Roberts is currently a freelance training Consultant and Director of JayrConsulting Ltd in the UK. Writing short stories for his grandchildren and miscellaneous poetry is considered as a stress relieving hobby. [July 2005]
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Commuting Hell John Roberts
It’s dark, it’s cold, its’ just six thirty, thoughts of sleep still dull my brain, As I huddle down , inside my coat, a commuter clone, just waiting for a train. Insidious rain, just drizzling down, through weak light of creeping dawn, Paper sandwich bags and old coffee cups, blowing past, look so forlorn.
We huddle together, like a colony of penguins, sheltering from the rain, As we struggle through, another stressful day, wait for the downtown train. Alien voices, from hidden speakers, say there is a change, go to platform four, Some move fast, must be beginners, veterans stay still, heard it all before.
Styrofoam flavoured coffee, “Giant cup for 10 cents saving!”. Smells like an accident, in a science lab, But quells my caffeine craving. Lurid posters, on the wall, Sell things, we just don’t need. Early morning papers rustle, As some attempt to read.
Alien voices, another problem, With the downtown train, “Can all commuters, on platform four, go back to platform one again ! “ Those that stayed, have a knowing smirk, written wide upon their face. While all the ‘new boys’, like compliant sheep, Back across the station race.
In the distance, the lights of a train, Raise commuters hopes so high. But it’s just a local freight train, That mockingly thunders by. But then at last, a train pulls up, And we fight to claim a seat. Lay back relax, in steaming clothes, Commuter hell, finally complete.
READER'S REVIEWS (4) DISCLAIMER: STORYMANIA DOES NOT PROVIDE AND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REVIEWS. ALL REVIEWS ARE PROVIDED BY NON-ASSOCIATED VISITORS, REGARDLESS OF THE WAY THEY CALL THEMSELVES.
"Wow, that does sound like hell. Well done man, well done." -- Moses.
"Thanks, Moses - those that have been there will know it's true !" -- John Roberts.
"Yay finally something dark from you and knew you would excel greatly in it. This is my favorite piece of yours... you captured the true monotony of commuting. Great work." -- ryan severud.
"Thanks Ryan - I just dedicate this to commuting clones everywhere, be it on the BAT in San Fransisco, SilveLink to London or wherever. (I have done both journies and enjoyed neither ! ) :)" -- John Roberts.
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