This traincar, this overnight dash —
stained straw on
these interior floorboards
This traincar, this overnight dash —
glass underfoot
as well as these blood lips
This whistle, this shrieking of rails
this whole clamor reflected
off a town’s two crumbling buildings
This traincar, this overnight dash —
gaslight rocking, shadow growing:
You do not know this man; you will not tend his wounds