SkyTrain

A. S. Pradhan | July 13, 2015

The SkyTrain is

less of a transit mode

than a miniature world,

full of surprises. The daily

commute opens up a new

vista; rarely do I see

the same face. This

pretty woman, a stranger,

seated across the aisle,

keeps staring at me

through her 
stylish sunglasses,

with a disarming smile,

her face bright and smooth

as porcelain,

like a white rose 
in a thorny bush.

Feeling awkward, but
being the polite man that I am,
I smile back,
looking right into her eyes.

When the train approaches
the next stop, she gets up

from her seat,

still staring at me

with charming smile.
Wondering if we have
met before, if I know
her from somewhere,

I get up, too, without
realizing why I even got up.

She then gathers her bag

and, to my surprise, 
unfolds a cane.
Then I realize why she
is staring at me as I see
her guide dog, ready
to lead her out

safely into the world.
I sit back, feeling
blindingly stupid.