You walked onto this train car today

you walked onto this train car today

trailing behind you: one partner, two children, and several suitcases 

I sat alone, with my thoughts, in a section for four 

you had a lot to carry 

I figured you needed the space more

I walked further from the sliding doors to an empty seat

pulling a pensive mood along behind me 

I listened as laughter filled the space of my absence

you made eye contact with me and mouthed ‘thank you’

I smiled, sincerely 

—my smiles and sincerity have been in question lately—

as we slipped down into our seats and I lost sight of you 

my smile slipped as well 

seamlessly, tears welled up in the void

I’ll admit, yours looked like a lot of baggage at first 

the fullness of a life 

lived outside of your own mind