N JUDAH
after putting his earrings in
the man with the pinstriped pants
and the white lily
begins crying
when we reach his stop
he can't carry everything
he has off the train
he has to come back
for the last grim-mouthed
suitcase
wiping his face
with the backs of his hand
his earrings dangling
long and silver
no one rises to help him
he leaves the lily
on the seat it looks
at all of us in unison
makes us all turn
quiet like a gift you get
from an uncle you thought
didn't love anyone
a few days after Christmas
after putting his earrings in
the man with the pinstriped pants
and the white lily
begins crying
when we reach his stop
he can't carry everything
he has off the train
he has to come back
for the last grim-mouthed
suitcase
wiping his face
with the backs of his hand
his earrings dangling
long and silver
no one rises to help him
he leaves the lily
on the seat it looks
at all of us in unison
makes us all turn
quiet like a gift you get
from an uncle you thought
didn't love anyone
a few days after Christmas