The Station Waiting Room

By Barry Bayon

Passengers come and go,
Bags and parcels in tow.
Music through station loudspeakers soothes,
Only to be interrupted by announcement of train news.

“Attention please: Train # 1837, the 4:15 arriving from Boston making stops
in Kingston, Old Saybrook, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Greenwich”.
The announcer voice trails off only to come back on.
“Thank you for choosing Amtrack” and the voice was gone.

People waiting on benches work their smart phones,
While others are drinking or eating alone.
Riders scan the train information displays
For the latest communiques.

Passengers ebb and flow through the station,
As they travel to their destination.
Some are confident, while others show hesitation,
Pausing to search for friends or orientation.

A song is playing over the loudspeaker:
“I am going to love you like nobody else can”.
Passengers pause briefly to take in the musical libation,
And look out wistfully at others in the station.

Day becomes night and the station moves to adagio.
The unnatural light from fixtures casts a harsh glow.
Some people are waiting for a train,
Others are just waiting as they sift through the night’s remains.