Walking Practice

by Dolki Min

—Take a seat. Some kind of angel gets into an awkward position, intending to offer me their seat. —I’m fine. I spit out the habitual response in spite of myself. I’m worried they’ll take my nonsensical reply at face value. Not a single part of me is fine. —Take a seat. Your bag looks heavy. Thanks to their chivalry, I can gently lower my buns. Is this my good karma coming back to me? When the train stops, my angel flits out the doors like a sparrow. Thank you! For once the words aren’t merely lip service. Once again, I give thanks. I shut my eyes. A ray of golden light strokes both of my cheeks. The leaves are fluttering, and my lungs fill with fresh air. Somehow I’m now in a densely packed forest. Not a single person is there. Coo coo coo coo coo. Pigeons hop from branch to branch, crying out as if giving orders. I am at peace. The feeling spreads through me to the tips of my fingers and toes. Here my day starts anew. Sometimes you just need to start off on the right foot, get your buttons fastened right. I

The instant peace of getting a seat on the subway