Midnight Train

I waited until your breath wove itself

into my curly hair before boarding

Now I sit in recycled heat, trying not

to see my reflection as I look out the night-darkened window

 

Shadows deepen, the train, a silver knife, slices the opaque

Remnants of Christmas outline invisible houses

Parents are kissing their children goodnight

 

My seatmate is a theology major

overhead lights dim in our car

we begin one of those talks that only occur at night in whispers

I remember I am human, finite

shuttling through darkness

 

The train yearns for morning

He is gone and I miss him for years

not him, but his God, my God

who I remember only in darkness

who makes me yearn for light