The woman with the artist's portfolio filled with drawing boards and secret hopes who waved goodbye to her husband and little boy before climbing on the train, wearing a hat to cover what the cancer took from her.
***
The man with the shiny dress shoes and tailored blazer, briefcase between his feet, disembarking in the city.
***
The group of teenage girls, chatting away as if no one could hear them, carrying purses and dressed in the trendiest style.
***
The older woman all by herself, eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and wearing nice sneakers.
***
The tired, impatient tears of a little one out of my sight but not my hearing. I catch a glimpse of his mother, showing him the sights out the window.
***
The crew members, some friendlier than others, walking back and forth gathering tickets as they do every day, waiting for their shifts to end.
***
The woman getting off the train while I waited to board, pushing a stroller. I grab the front wheels and pull it over the gap and confirm that she is at the correct station. A conductor watches.
***
The well dressed young woman carrying a backpack and a violin case, talking on the phone.
***
The kind conductor who let me know that I was on the wrong train for the second time that day and directed me to the correct one.
***
What are their stories? Will any of us break the code of silence that seems to be impressed on everyone who boards?
I can only guess at the first, and I am too afraid to be the one to do the second.
Hi Emily, this is such a nice post. Wow! It's simple yet has a big impact on the reader. The words you used to describe each person are very.. thought-provoking. Really nice work.
ReplyDelete~Eve
http://eveofnight.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much, Eve!
DeleteI love people watching, especially in travel. It is so fun, mysterious, and convicting to see so many people going about their day, and often reawakens my longing to share Christ with the world.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
Shannon
oh, i love this! people watching is the best!!
ReplyDelete