A voice without a face informs the air
of elevator problems, parking lot
security, malfunctions taking fare,
and items “lost” that really were forgot
by passengers distracted, unaware,
and now bereft. The PA phrase is shot
aloud and signals like a verbal flare,
engaging syllables to say what’s not.

The chant “Lost in the system” is their tell
for indicating items left aboard
a crowded train – as odd as “Oakland West”
was once, enough affected to repel.
Around me other passengers ignore
a message hyperbolically expressed.