BRIEF CANDLE

Stark in profile
on the dank blue line

train car, 

the hunched 

woman—a tormented 

figure of evening,

joylessly
nagging a huge mutant 

nectarine 

to its terrible 

ochre 

pit and shreds—

though silent

and weary

with the dribbling 

juice, nevertheless 

bids you: 

call 

and 

check

on mom.