Personal Belongings

by Claire Estlin

I sit in the same seat when I can. At Grand Central, the conductor reminds us to take our personal belongings. I clutch my bag tightly, as though it contains everything vital. Earlier, outside the window, the scenery flickered past in reverse, like the life I once imagined but never lived. I wonder sometimes what would happen if I left something behind on purpose, like my phone, my shoes, or... myself. But then the doors open, and I carry on.

6S

Claire Estlin's work has appeared in small journals, forgotten notebooks, and on the backs of receipts.