She left her boyfriend of two years,
borrowed two dollars
hopped on the tracks—
destination nowhere.
Backpack in overhead
with a change of nothing.
In front of her, a tray of condiments
and not a penny for a drink.

She only told her best friend—
her destination is unknown.

When a heart breaks,
it knows not where to turn.
Her eyes touch
every long-abandoned farmhouse,
tractor and broken fence
like each bead of a rosary.

I felt broken too,
a long time ago—left
alone without luggage—
no morning kisses or nighttime hugs.

A transient lifestyle, those rails
like diving into childhood,
cozy and warm
where people latched on
to each other like train boxes,
their lonely moments, connected
and sharing stories.

And so it is.