Some things you complained about
become the things you miss.

The search for an empty seat
on the bus that’s 14 minutes
behind schedule.

The after-school rush,
students descending downstairs,
ready to posture on subway platforms,
posing, engaged in mini-flirtations.

The folks embracing their cell phones,
checking in or checking out
the latest bits of gossip,
catching up with friends.

And the mini-dramas!
I once overheard a woman
breakup with a man.
He was baffled. Forgetting
where they were–
or because of where they were–
he demanded clarification.

I don’t understand, You said last night
was great, that I made you happy…

You miss it all.
now you look out into space
alone, longing for the things
you complained about,
hoping those strangers are safe,
waiting to see them again.

 

Janet Cormier is a painter, writes prose and poetry, and performs comedy. JC prefers different and original over pretty. She loves collecting stuff, but cleaning not so much. Janet also talks to strangers. A lot. Her column now appears weekly on Oddball Magazine.