he steps onto the train,
and I can't help but wince.
he sits alone and looks
at all of the passengers,
and I hold my bag a little tighter.
he sneezes, but
no one says "god bless you."
I am unconsciously frightened
by this man,
but as soon as
his partner sits
beside him and plants
a kiss on his cheek,
I let out the breath I was holding,
I give up my right grip on my bag,
and I look at them and smile
