A Moment, in Transit – Winnipeg, to Bayside/Flushing
This is a true story. This happened on my first ever trip to NYC, and it was then, with this happening that i realized how asleep most people are to what is right in front of their faces; but also how one moment in transit can change two lives forever. I will never forget that old woman’s face, and the sheer, exquisite gratitude written upon it. man, that was so sad and wonderful. I’ll never forget it.
A Moment, in Transit – Winnipeg, to Bayside/Flushing belongs to the following groups:
! Creative Writing & Poetry !, "Poetry and Beautiful Women" , All Out Emotion, All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Everyday Life, Insomniacs and Other Night Crawlers, Light In The Darkness, Masterpieces: Literary Workshop, The beauty of poetry, Up & Coming Writers and WMGI.
22 years old.
The grooves of the red river still fresh
upon my plum-white cheeks.
Reborn amid the scraping dignitaries of the NYC skyline –
holding something I never knew I had
within my crisp/Grandmother-raised/polite to extremes,
Canadian bones –
set apart from the whole of this day:
poignant stories, neglect and the invisible.
II.
One old woman (tattered and worn from so many eyes closed)
closed up, by non-touch –
by those who have forgotten the face of their mothers –
boards the Bayside/Flushing express going
god knows where.
III.
The stinking, rife, packed and futile atmosphere
of the aging, metal monster, ignores
the need of one of their own.
She was; she breathes; she is
to small to see.
Through the grim encrusted windows it was clear
that the glue had come unstuck.
Her cracks were showing.
And the amalgamated metal beast rolls…
IV.
Tired, aching acceptance crawls across her hopeless eyes
searching
for nothing.
I see her – I see her, whole.
Her need; her lost, and that which seems obvious
to the ingrained grain of my prairies.
I stand on confidant legs, and I ask,
“Would you like to sit down?”
V
The bus stops.
The stale air is sucked out of vacuumed lungs
That have never been asked any kindness.
She staggers on low-stocking legs –
Her white leather shoes, uncertain and weary
of the asker.
“Who, me?” she stammers from dry lips.
“Yes, would you like my seat?”
She smiles like a giddy schoolgirl –
a face pulled from old attic boxes, dusty from un-use, but beautiful
in their antiquity;
the smile of a lottery winner, almost comical in its exaggeration
(but not funny at all)
she replies,
“Yes! Yes, thank you! No-one has ever asked me that
before. You must not be from here…”
VI.
I smile.
And stand.
The standing is good.
My legs rejoice with the gift given them.
Suddenly, and without warning,
I fall in love with NYC.
The day speeds back up like you just put the needle back
on the 45 –
unbending along the NYC skyline.
The metal beast rolls on,
disappearing
towards God knows where.
© Kristin Reynolds 2008
oneperfectkiss
Kristin…this utterly beautiful…..I’m in tears. Now I have a longing to see NYC. What beautiful words. xxxx
Kristin Reynolds replied
You are so kind, thank you. :) tears are the best compliment to a poet, you rule. :) NYC is just brilliant; everyone should see NYC! I tell you, I got off that bus feeling like a million bucks. there is NOTHING like the gift of giving. truly, is makes the soul beam exponentially. :)
oneperfectkiss
I so agree with you!! xxxx
Kristin Reynolds replied
:) X
PJ Ryan
I really enjoyed the beautiful story here and your ability to construct your story so well.
Kristin Reynolds replied
Thank you so very much. :)
BiographyofRed8
wonderful story in each piece, like those moments that are far between yet so meaningful
Kristin Reynolds replied
yes, it’s the few and far between i think, that makes them stick in such a beautiufl way; thank you! :)
autumnwind
I love you. Who else can make offering a seat the incredible story of beauty and giving that it is, like you? My heart is just aching for this grateful lady. Your writing is phenomenal. xoxo
Kristin Reynolds replied
Shar. What am I to say to that, but thank you! LOVE you too, hun. XOXO :) you’re the very best.
anaisnais
Oh Kristin your writes always seem to go that extra mile, there are few that bring me back time and again to read, but this one is special….treasure this moment….
Kristin Reynolds replied
Thanks, sweetheart!!! XO Love, K
JRGarland
It’s true that New yorkers are not known for their manners. You really must have blown the poor woman’s mind with the offer. The desciptions were priceless. Well done.
Kristin Reynolds replied
Thank you so much, JR. :) i know some very manner oriented NY’s, but some? fagetaboutit! heehee. thanks again, K
Mikyle
This, is absolutely fantastic… I am spellbound.
I love this… Your description is forever etched in my mind…
Kristin Reynolds replied
Really? thank you, so much! You are very kind. :) love, K
LamondofCowal
Kristin I love it. This piece is very evocative for me as I have had eerily similar experiences twice. Once in LA and once, ironically, right here in Canada. I am really enjoying your work. I do wonder though if you ever sleep.
Kristin Reynolds replied
ha! thanks, man. Yes, sadly this sort of thing happens alot. i just don’t get it. :( but, as for me sleeping…I go to bed early, and wake yo early to write…plus I jot down this and that throughout the day when I can…my hands are ALWAYS in fast motion. lol thank you!