“She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere”

21-06-13

Written for Word_Smithing

“She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere”

Of course, I noticed her right away. There was only a handful of us in the bus depot that time of night. But even so, she would have stood out. Her dishwater hair was pulled up tight in a bun on the top of her head to make her look older I suppose, but her skin transparent in its pallor gave away her vulnerability and youth. Soaking wet with her pockets full of pennies she wouldn’t have weighed more than ninety pounds, thin as the proverbial rail she was.

She had a little white plastic shoulder bag and carried an old dirty blue cardboard suitcase with both hands, more out of nervousness than weight, I’d wager. The heels of her white plastic sandals were worn down and they looked to be a size too big, and the hem of the skirt of her pale blue suit was coming down in the back, trailing several threads of varying lengths.

When she got up to the ticket agent I heard her ask, “How far away can I get on fifty dollars?”

Aberration

21-06-13

Written for Word_Smithing

Aberration

It wasn’t the hump on his shoulder or the twist in his back. Nor was it the incongruity of the expense and cut of his clothes. Riches are nothing out of the ordinary for those who have them. And the beauty and breeding of his mount was no cause for alarm, either.

The hail and hardy elegant fellowship surrounding him gave no reason for pause, for all have friends, even kings.

Not overly given to gaiety, nor lost in what might have been considered the somberness of the occasion, but, the wicked glint of anticipation in his eye.

(AN: I should have explained, I was totally trippin' on Richard III, here.)