A Slice of Night

Heard him cough once in a while
burp now and again,
him fidgeting in the corner
of his train seat.

Later, I looked beyond his
shuffle on the way
to the can, cradling an arm,
stroke I wondered aloud? boldness
asking the question.

Yes, he answered shyly.
I had one too, my response
and our brief friendship began.

Going to Toronto, Selwyn says
with a slam, words
tumbling quickly, to my son’s wedding.
I’m from Yorkshire.
Great country, Canada
much too huge to travel easily.

Tiredness soon captured
his chatty voice, got to rest he says,
VIA attendant approaching.
Ordered a pillow and winked,
for hiding flatulence
in the night. And he’s right.

© Richard L. Provencher