Cohort

Here it is:

We walk this planet alone together.

Some of us will live.

Some of us will die.

And others will follow.

Today you join me in this cohort of strangers,

Each to his own,

Like passengers on a train,

Moving in all directions

All at once.

I approached you on the train and asked for a cigarette,

But you said you didn't smoke.

So I smiled politely, put my hands into my pockets, and returned to my seat.

The conductor stopped the train, and you left without looking at me.

I remained in my seat, and waited for my stop,

Looking around at strangers,

Hoping for someone to share a cigarette

With.