My train pulls into the station with a gust of warm air
The doors slide open until they click into position
Please allow customers to exit before boarding the train
Then the mass of other commuters and I
Pack into the car as tight as possible
Step back to allow the doors to close
I don’t like how close the man next to me is
I don’t like how his body is turned to face my side
I don’t like how as the train sways and rattles
I can feel the weight of his body leaning against mine
And slowly easing off when we turn right
To navigate the underground tunnels
Then leaning back on as we turn to the left
Stop being dramatic
It’s all in your head
A stern voice tells me
Calm down and tough it out
But still my heart is racing erratically
And I start to sweat under my hoodie
The air feels thick and heavy
My 5’2″ frame has never felt so small
As it does when I feel his stomach press into my side
And his arm looming over me to hold the bar above
I want nothing more than to get off at the next stop
And sit there for however many hours it takes
Until the trains that come through are empty
Completely devoid of people
But I also want to get home in time for dinner
So I ride down the line until the crowd dissipates
And then I take a seat by myself
And ride in silence until I reach my destination
The doors slide open until they click into position
Please allow customers to exit before boarding the train
It’s okay
I’m okay
I tell myself
I just don’t like rush hour on the metro
Grade: 11
Alexandria, VA
Rockville, MD
Emily Dickinson
To follow my intellectual and creative passions and find fulfillment in whatever I do.
I couldn’t pick between my parents. They both inspire me to give my all to everything that I do.