The Chance Encounter

Compartment C, Car 193
---- Big Frank Dickinson

She sits in compartment C, car 193
On a train from Seattle to Portland.
She sits alone, for now that is.
For perhaps someone is coming.

There is a thin smile leaking
From the corners of her mouth.
Her only outward sign
Of why she's here.

Inwardly she knows for sure
Or so she seems aware
Of some welcomed arrival
Due before the station.

She sits upon uphostery green
With legs crossed primly and
Hat drawn down upon her face
To fit the role she's playing.

Her smile is open just a crack
To match the whistling window
To her right. While to her
Left someone's approaching

But not for tea,
And not to talk of
Frippery.
No he's come for her.

This encounter is
As in rhythm with her
As his footsteps'
Are with the train's.

Clickty clack on down
The track. He stops
at her smile.
She's frozen.

"Excuse me, Ma'am;
Is this seat taken?"
And then his
Recognition.

She then raises
Her eyes to
His and as
He sits beside her

She takes off
Her hat and
Says to him,
"What took you?"