Student Publishing Program ::

Christopher Alessandrini

The Day I Did Not Board the 7:19 at South Station

Man, with your styrofoam cup
jingling that change to make that
strange music that echoes off the
gray faded tiles of this subway stop,
Why are you smiling?

Girl, with your ballet shoes slung
over your shoulders– oh, those burdensome
satin slippers– your body poised
like a sliver of sunlight in the underground,
Why are you frowning?

Listen, to the gentle hum of the shuttle
as it slows to a halt, its doors heaving exasperated
sighs as they open to swallow us;
but today I’ll stay behind,
never to see them again,
left to wonder,

Where are they going?

[TABLE OF CONTENTS, LHS CLASS OF 2011 EDITION]