Commuting can result in any number of experiences. Railroad cars are often crowded, passengers sleepy in the morning, tired at night. A cheerful conductor helps. One committed to ticket punching and a mechanical "thank you" adds to the malaise. Mornings are less taxing as most passengers are dozing, upright or not. It is in the evening that a bit of verbal adventure takes place.
Recently I sat between two radically different individuals. To my left a young fellow carefully balancing two beers. A master of the art of sip and sit he successfully drank from one, protected the other, all while keeping his earphones on. I still wonder how he could hold a beverage, drink a beverage and move to songs only he could hear. Perhaps it is all in the timing. Four quarter or rap, rhythm evidently reinforces the inner ear. Ralph, the young man's name, asked if I was thirsty. Visions of hops, suds and bubbles destroying a new shirt danced in my head. "Thank you but no," I offered, "the better for me" his response. Not exactly Thomist logic, although a perfect example of the brewery inspired philosophy of life and relationships.
The gentleman on my right insisted on discussing the state of the nation. As I remember he favored lower taxes, higher wages, English muffins and green lawns. Once domestic policy had been exhausted the topic turned to foreign affairs. By this time I was desperately waiting for the conductor to announce my stop. No such luck. Planet Earth and our place on it dominated what was a very one sided conversation. I've mastered a self-induced reverie that can be achieved with time and practice. This was different. As far as I can remember he was in favor of meeting perceived threats with resolve. "A no fly zone, that's what we need" said he. "Oh really" said I. There was a love affair with no fly zones, "the best way to control what's on the ground." Within ten minutes I was ready to acknowledge the threat posed by a rearmed Luxembourg and recognize the need for air supremacy over Akron. Anything, just let me make it to my station with psyche intact.
Finally the words I'd waited to hear. Tested and chastened by spilt beer and a lesson in geo-politics I disembarked a better man. With a veteran's confidence I enjoyed the last of my coffee and strode into the night. Tomorrow was just a day away.`
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