S T O P! Poem by bob barci

While on the train
from Long Island to Manhattan,
I closed my eyes to rest for a bit.
Next thing I know, a long haired
conductor is shaking my arm and saying,
“Last stop. Penn Station.”
That’s odd.
I don’t recall making the transfer at Jamaica.
We must have gone straight through to Penn,
otherwise I’d be in Brooklyn right now.
Well, it may be Penn Station,
but definitely not the last stop for me.
I exit the train.
S T O P!
There’s the arcade on the lower level of the station.
Can’t leave without getting at least 1 toy
I want from the crane game.
Good day, I hook 3 on 1 try.
I exit the arcade.
S T O P!
There’s a little sushi bar one level up.
Can’t leave without having a roll or two.
Good day, the chef likes me,
he gives me a roll and 2 pieces - free.
I exit the sushi bar.
S T O P!
There’s a deli with a salad bar
on Park Ave. off 28th Street.
Can’t leave without getting my salad bar goodies.
Good day, cashier goofs
and I get my stuff at half price.
I exit the deli.
S T O P!
I head for the 11th floor apartment of a friend on 27th Street.
Can’t leave without having weekend fun.
Friend is away
so apartment is mine.
Unfortunately,
9: 39 Sunday evening comes too soon
and it’s time to go back to Long Island
and bring this weekend and poem to a
S T O P!