“Commuter Blues”

The day starts early,
when the sun
first touches the sky.
While the clouds are still pink
you’re already saying goodbye.

Not for good reason
you think to yourself
as the bus comes late.
There’s traffic lining up
and down the interstate.

Through the streets
and down the alleys
coffee stains your lips.
Gulping it down,
when you should be taking sips.

Work is just
as every day before it.
Then suddenly it’s noon,
and you’re scarfing peanut butter
and bread to a headphone tune.

Going home is easier
knowing that sleep is close.
But you run out the door
and trip on the sidewalk
spilling things to the floor.

Standing for the ride home
is better than waiting at the corner,
even though your heels ache
and the two people near you
find more of your space to take.

In a haze of a pink sunset
the day is almost over.
But while that’s true,
you frown to yourself
because there’s tomorrow too.