I used to ride BART to the city and back
four work days or more every week,
preferring the last car, where crowding was slack,
employing an end seat technique,
enjoying my privacy, able to view
whose ride was proceeding near mine.
But that was the scene then. It’s now been a few
years I’ve not commuted. Decline
is apparent. The last car is soiled. Some seats
are dismantled and cushions are torn.
It’s used as a bedroom and toilet – defeats
and raggedy garments are worn.
Avoiding all seats near the end’s now suggested,
unless I want travel with senses molested.