city

glitzy malls
shopping bags
high-heeled attitudes

dimly lit pubs
bring on the maritinis
loud music, young energy

workdays,
traffic honks,
smudged noise

weekends
multiplexes,
crowds everywhere

queues,
bills,
routine

getaway,
getaway.

compartment

Pot-bellied uncle
keeps us up
with his mouth full
and his empty talk

Subtlety: an alien
to his brazen drawl
that slurs
and forgets meaning

Incessant,
he goes on
Big manager
of big company.

Heard above
the rattling of the train,
his loud booming voice
and my silent amusement.