This train station assaults my senses.
The smell of Greggs, the incessant Tannoy.
The jostle of people as a gate is opened.
Intractable guards whose job it is to annoy.

Someone’s in my seat even though I booked it.
Wrestling with bags and Costa Coffee they relocate.
I settle and practice my breathing technique.
Now the train is delayed. No options but to wait.

An announcement - no hot water in the buffet car.
Cold drinks only and a restricted sandwich choice.
My neighbour further buries her face in her book.
In retort to an irritated passenger raising his voice.

The guard appears, checking each and every ticket.
He asks after the guy leaving a seat opposite me.
He has opportunely taken to the toilet.
Maybe he has no ticket, perhaps he has to pee.

The delay is over, the rhythm and the sway restored.
Eyes closed, mouths are open, books on laps.
Unexpectedly, the train promptly halts in a tunnel.
Passengers are woken sharply from their naps.

Another delay amid disgruntled murmuring.
An announcement this time blaming the train ahead.
A claustrophobic woman is becoming agitated.
A friend is calming her. The woman is cherry-red.

Tangible sighs of relief as we are moving once again.
The outlook is better as we near our destination.
Dare we hope for an uneventful end to our journey.
That had no hot food or drink but lots of frustration.

We are there. We are disembarking with haste.
The Cherry-red woman is calm and pale again.
Normality reigns for now. That journey in the past.
But My God we’ve got to return on that damn train.