A man
with ragged bags
and the smell of stale urine
– somehow worse than fresh urine –
began talking
in my general direction.
He may have been speaking to me
but I neglected to dislodge my headphones
so heard nothing.

He appeared excited.
He seemed friendly.
He continued talking
while I nodded
despite wearing substantial cans.
He seemed to think
I was drinking it all in
though i avoided all eye contact.

He left the train
after one station’s worth
of one way communication
but continued his enthusiastic dialog
even after exiting.

I think he was still talking
as the train left the station
though I assure you
I heard not a word.