Chicago

Chicago

Steel Madonna
taunting and daunting
crossing and closing,
bold and glowing,
bright as blood.

You shutting off the alarm
dressing for work,
a rush to the crowded Blue Line,
settling for standing,
reading your notes on route,
clutching the silver pole.

You never noticed when
your days became so many lies.
Friends that played your game,
parties you don't remember.

Women who came and went,
leaving trails of smoky perfume,
and only one that mattered, but
you stole her heart,
wrecked her car, her life.
So much for being serious.

Returning in darkness,
thrum of wheels on rails --
was that a church in the portal?
Your oldest nightmare,
streaking past you ahead --
or coming up from behind?

-Marge Simon