Our eyes meet.
Not across a crowded room
or pulsing dance floor
but in the train window,
falling upon each other’s
reflected against the backdrop
of a quickly changing landscape.
This is, of course, exactly
what we were seeking to
avoid. We flinch confused,
not certain what to do,
before shifting our focus
to gaze upon the verge.

Being English on the train means avoiding human interaction. On Saturday evening I failed despite my best efforts.
(13.10.25)

© Ben Quant 2025
Photo by Kiwihug on Unsplash