A different cast
of characters, the chain
of cause and effect drapes
across the same

forbidden entrance. She burns
through them too intensely
on an old diesel train
passing through towns

named after men
she knew for a night
or two on the way
to more. She never got off

the rails long enough
to recognize how she was using
up this allotment
just as she used up

all her drink tickets
half a lifetime
too soon. Now she never gets off
at all. Better to listen

to that rhythmic chug and roll
from inside this coach class car.