The Truth at 42nd Street    

by Laurie Kuntz


A reunion, friendly banter as we hurried 
into the subway and separate upcoming stops 
that would keep us apart for another year.

As the car zigzagged into 42nd Street
she gathered her bag and belongings
for a rush to exit.

Just before the subway car swerved to stop, 
she commented on how wonderful my marriage is--
together so long, the twig and twine of history,
the role models for happiness.

Her words a lull in the engine's screech, 
and I started to say that all is not as it seems, 
that no marriage, no history is without a battle 
toward one’s own terms of victory.

But, the train pulled into 42nd Street,  
and she rushed off, her wing-like hug 
a testimony to her belief, 
while the doors slammed shut
on the truth.


* * * * *

Laurie Kuntz is a widely published and an award winning poet. She’s been nominated for a Pushcart and Best of the Net prize. She’s published two poetry collections (The Moon Over My Mother’s House, Finishing Line Press, Somewhere in the Telling, Mellen Press), and two chapbooks (Simple Gestures, Texas Review, Women at the Onsen, Blue Light Press). Her new chapbook, Talking Me off the Roof, is forthcoming from Kelsay Press in 2022. Recently retired, she lives in an endless summer state of mind. Visit her at:
https://lauriekuntz.myportfolio.com › home-1