Urban Hermit

A book and a glare--
poor accessories
to attract companionship.
*
Time to arise,
transcend
this rat's cage
masquerading as a life.
At least, that's what my mother tells me.
Meet someone nice, she says,
and everything will change.
*
My married friends nod wisely,
recount their SO's latest pranks,
or turn away to scream
at wayward offspring.
*
Change is a crap shoot.
Not everyone wins.

-- 2004

Escape

humming on the platform
watching for the train
far from comforts of home

past collides with future
in clouds of pixie dust
dissolving dragons
ransacked compartments
dirty toilets
stained upholstery
or maybe
something serendipitous
brand new

no scripts
no fears
no overdrafts
all gone