Train whistles by,
The bustle of humanity moves in and out of the doors
Some heading toward a destination,
Others arriving at the end of a journey.
Bag is heavy, heading home, then hearing a call

“Are you all right?”
Focusing on a man on the other side of the fence,
Sun streaked hair,
Marine back-pack
Bright blue eyes

Stop, stay here

“Thank you, I can manage”
“You sure?”
“I’m stronger then I look”
“I’m sorry, I normally wouldn’t stop a stranger-I don’t even see Marines carrying what you’ve jury-rigged together.”

Not sure when I put the bag down,
How we started talking, but we did,
Standing on opposite sides of the fence,
Intending to journey in opposite directions, but stopping, here.

“I’m Sean.”

“Ruby”

Hands reaching across the distance, meeting in the middle
Feels like an old memory-have we met?
Offers a massage for my back,
A degree he got a while back,
Nice hands, gentle, not groping
Not crushing me
Lazy circles on my scalp,


Moving to the front
He’s going to kiss me next
Warm lips on mine, gentle, not unwelcome,
Staying like that, not sure how long
We’re both trembling, but not regretting a thing
He was expecting a slap,
But leapt anyway.
Staying there until the train comes,
He has my number.
Holds my chin in his hand,
“You’re not going to be a fling for me.”
Easier to believe that he doesn’t mean it,
But if he does…
He’s still worried about me when he leaves,
“Can I get you a cab?”
I still say no. I can manage
Walk away in a daze, did that really happen?
I may have to marry you, soldier boy <3