The 7:11 From Middletown

by toritto

He kissed her quickly on the cheek
shouted out to his two kids
bounded out the door to catch
the 7:11 from Middletown.

“Bye honey have a good day”
drove on down the Kings Highway
railroad station parking lot
parking in the usual spot.

Bought the Journal from paper man
cup of coffee light no sugar
down the track the headlight coming
glad to see the train’s on time.

Climbed aboard and took his seat
regulars all know their place
all around him people chat
read the paper work or nap

with boredom and civility
just like every other day.
‘spress train only makes two stops
on the way to Shining New Ark

changes there across the platform
for the train to old New Apple.
Everyone now stand together
crowded crush time to New Apple.

Climbing out from underground
ride the giant escalator
then turn right and right again
join the rush passed drug store chain

National Bank of Who Knows Where
flower carts and coffee vendors
through the great revolving doors
transported to the highest floors

when you enter a surprise
Death is sitting in your chair.
“You didn’t know of our appointment?
Death is sorry but these things happen

Did you kiss her on the cheek?
Say goodbye to your two kids?
Have your coffee lite no sugar
on this beautiful September morn?”

Then fly with me now
for the sky is a color of blue
you’ve never seen
in your lover’s eyes.”

.