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Off the Rails

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Expressionless faces from nondescript places Each to work races to go through their paces Mothers on day trips with Garrys and Tracys Hope to avoid unexpected disgraces Packed in like sardines which happens routinely Keep a hair’s breadth apart, else it’s unseemly A man who’s expression says ‘thinking obscenely’ Presses up close, just a little too keenly Did I feel a hand where a hand shouldn’t be I don’t mean my arm and I don’t mean my knee If Mr Obscene one more time gooses me I’ll give that old pervert a lobotomy I’ve thought it before and I’ll think it again This daily commute renders good folk insane Will I get a medal if I inflict pain On those who bring prams on a rush hour train?

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Lindsay Laurie

Date: 6/3/2021 10:37:00 PM

G’day Terry … just one cough in these covid times and you have the carriage to yourself - another fine witty verse Terry - Lindsay

Terry Flood
Date: 6/5/2021 6:24:00 AM

I’m delighted to say I haven’t set foot on a train of any description for more years than I can remember. Glad you enjoyed, Lindsay. Terry

Gershon Wolf

Date: 6/3/2021 8:23:00 PM

Cute as can be, Terry! :) gw

Terry Flood
Date: 6/5/2021 6:24:00 AM

Thanks Gershon. Glad you enjoyed. Terry

Ilene Bauer

Date: 6/2/2021 1:46:00 PM

ha! your rhythm and rhyme are just perfect, terry! you've described this experience very well. i used to ride trains like this in new york and have no desire to ever do so again.

Terry Flood
Date: 6/2/2021 2:25:00 PM

Thanks Ilene. Sorry to stir up your nightmares... counselling is available ;-) Terry

Jan Allison

Date: 6/2/2021 12:52:00 PM

gee i can't imagine taking a pram on the underground at any time of day, and not only bottom pinchers but pickpockets have a field day . great poem Terry it rattles along like and express train before coming to an abrupt halt!:-) hugs jan xx

Terry Flood
Date: 6/2/2021 1:18:00 PM

I actually envisaged an overground train but wanted an image I could doctor. Have to confess, I changed the last line from ‘on women with kids on a rush hour train’ as I thought it might offend someone. Glad you enjoyed, Jan. Terry

Rico Leffanta

Date: 6/2/2021 11:24:00 AM

Well said, but do try the Metro during rush hour for a more thrilling ride ..

Rico Leffanta
Date: 6/3/2021 11:20:00 AM

Try Jan's remedy: a real stinky fart does create breathing space on the tube/metro/underground . . . . ..

Terry Flood
Date: 6/2/2021 11:43:00 AM

Done the overhead rail rush hour, done the underground rush hour. Must be 30 years ago now and I wouldn’t wanna do it again... EVER! Thanks Rico. Terry

Susan Woodrow

Date: 6/2/2021 10:55:00 AM

lol prams at rush hour?! yes -pain should be inflicted...well, I stood at the level of someone's armpit as we clung to the roof hand rails and I tried to tuck my nose into my chest as I could not move any other way...I got off at the nearest exit and walked the rest of the way uphill! Enjoyed your write on such a painful plight! :)

L Milton Hankins
Date: 6/2/2021 8:39:00 PM

Well, frankly, I'm pleased that you are sympathetic to the woman's voice. No problem!

Terry Flood
Date: 6/2/2021 11:46:00 AM

Ah... the anti armpit tuck... I remember it well. Fortunately, I’m fairly tall so I was often above all that. Glad it’s a distant memory now. Thanks Susan. Terry

L Milton Hankins

Date: 6/2/2021 9:32:00 AM

I've never ridden a "rush hour train," but you have made the experience so real. I'm simply amazed that that kind of thing actually happens on a public train! Good poem, Terry.

Terry Flood
Date: 6/2/2021 11:50:00 AM

I’ve just realised that this is the second time I’ve written from a lady’s perspective... must be something in the water. Thanks Milt. Terry

Tom Cunningham

Date: 6/2/2021 8:36:00 AM

Don't miss that free for all at all, sitting for ages in a queue that moves a foot every half hour. Only caught a rush hour train a few times, that was enough. Thinking obscenely, love it, hands up who's never thought that way lol. Tom

Rico Leffanta
Date: 6/3/2021 11:25:00 AM

During the early 60's, I lived on Cheyne Walk and worked on Pall Mall, but found commuting was best accomplished on foot (except during downpours). I suspect walking is still best .....

Terry Flood
Date: 6/2/2021 11:57:00 AM

I had fifteen years of it, then moved around up north or down south. I loved being a Londoner in London but have never missed the commute. I know my childhood home now has iron grills on the doors and windows and there’s speed humps EVERYWHERE. London??? They’re welcome to it. Thanks Tom. Terry