I wanted to write a poem about my everyday train experience ever since I can remember. The MRT is almost a part of my life. And today as I was waiting for the HP shuttle to come by – I had a very long time to write out this poem in me. So here it is.
I board the train this morning
It’s the same old routine for me
The air is still fresh and chill
And the sun is yet to smile
I glance here and there
Looking at downcast faces
As if life has left them alone
And went away on a long journey
I hold on tightly to a metal bar
And feel the sudden chill on my palms
The guy in front of me shrugs
I try to keep my balance
The train moves on without caring
Who gets to ride and who’s left behind
The cars on each side are oblivious
I try to keep my balance
The train halts for a while
Just in time to swap passengers
Some came in, some went out
Still, I try to keep my balance
Again I glance here and there
And I notice someone not too far
Holding on a metal bar
She’s trying to keep her balance
A minute has passed and then two
Our eyes cross paths a few
I try to stretch out a smile for you
All the while I keep my balance
All the people in the train
They just don’t seem to matter
This short while that she is there
They try to keep their balance
She moves a bit and so do I
As the new ones make their way in
There’s pushing and shoving here and there
We try to keep our balance
My lips are dry, no I can’t talk
What have I to say
Besides she’s too far away
And I’m trying to keep my balance
It’s almost the last station
And there I’ll make my way
I’ll ask her name and give her mine
For now I’ll keep my balance
Before my station came to pass
She already went out the door
Walking her way through the crowd
And yes I’m still in balance
Good bye my lady, so long, farewell
At least I knew you for but a while
We never talked nor have we touched
But we did keep our balance
The train went on and so did she
And I went back to glancing
Looking at downcast and lifeless faces
And trying to keep my balance