Do's and Don't's: Riding the CTA

Do: bathe
Do: exit using the rear door of the bus
Don't: watch a DVD on your laptop with the sound up
Don't: fall asleep and take up two seats on the train during rush hour
Don't: stand in front of the train doors and stare at the subway map while the train is stopped at a station
Do: know how much money is on your farecard before trying to go through the turnstyle
Don't: sit down next me with a giant backpack and a drug addled disposition, ask me what I'm reading, upon learning that it is "A Thousand Splendid Suns" remark that you read "Kite Runner" and are a "traditional American Conservative," and then instantaneously pass out with your head lolling dangerously close to my shoulder
Don't: Apologize for the delay. Your operator is off the train addressing the problem. We are sorry for the inconvenience and will be moving shortly (repeat every 30 seconds for the next 20 minutes)
Do: sigh

jbg

Some Things Don't Change

We packed up our winter clothes Made sure the windows were closed Walked to the curb with our bags Knowing we weren't coming back The wineglasses sat on the floor In newspapers faded and torn Abandoned like so many dreams We never forget, we just leave The hands of the clock clasped in prayer The scars of the years that we wear Like a tag on your shirt with a name A reminder that some things don't change A reminder that some things never change A reminder that some things don't change

jbg

Sunday

Shot the street lights out with a half a bottle of wine and a sleeping pill.

Yes, we will.

jbg