the subway ride

his long black
coat
hung thick and wide
on his
bone thin body.
his hand held the strap
as the subway
car veered
and swayed beneath
the cold bricks
and pavement of the city.
his wife
sat near, studying her
gloved hands.
his silvered eyes
watched
as the stations
rolled by, his good ear
leaning towards
the sound of the conductor's
voice.
when they arrived,
the doors slid open
then he nodded to her,
and together they rose
and went to town.