Public Transportation

Ms. Haiku

I took my sweet time going home Friday
evening. A visit with friends with books they
recommend slays stray graying time that pays
back with heat that wraps my head in dismay.

I see the woman in blue, and I think
nothing of her standing on the sidewalk.
I walk by. She starts to walk. Then I walk
quickly to pass. She starts quickly to stalk.

As a smart coward I let her go first,
and I wait, and cross the street while I thirst
for cool drinks of water to drown this cursed
night. I swallow introverted outbursts.

I'm known to roll with what life has in store,
but I look around when I reach my door.