Sunday, September 6, 2009

Loogie, Newark Penn Station


He sits on a bench in Newark.
He reads a book of dark short stories.
He is waiting for his train that has caused his 1 hour trip to balloon to 3 hours.
He notices a woman sitting on the other side of the bench.
He hears a sound that is kind of like spitting.
He feels a slight spray of liquid on his arm.
He turns in the direction of the sound/ liquid.
He stares at the homeless woman staring at him.
He looks down at the glob of spit on his backpack.
He stares at the homeless woman staring at him.
He wonders if this crazy old woman just spit on him.
He stares at the homeless woman staring at him.
He wonders what kind of lunatic would expectorate on a stranger quietly reading a book.
He stares at the homeless woman staring at him.
He wonders if he should respond in some way.
He thinks; ask her if she just spit on me?
He wonders if is she going to attack him?
He thinks; spit back?

She picks up her junk and walks away.