Zone One Single

Is the ticket they sell you
to ride the London Subway (Tube)
when you're staying close to town,
not venturing out too far afield
then coming home a different way,
not sure where you're headed next,
no need for a Return.
"It's so expensive!" I complain
but my friend Sal, who has always been
a much more savvy traveler than I, says
"There's ways around it."
"Legal ways?"
"Just ways.  I always ride way past
Zone One, and never pay full fare.
If you like, I'll show you how."

And to tell you the truth I think about it,
as the train flashes past and I'm caught
in the warm blast of the dark tunnel breeze,
but in the end I decide to play by the Tube rules.
So I wait my turn patiently at Lancaster Gate
for the couple in front of me to buy their Returns,
and when the ticket vendor asks me,
"Zone One Single, Luv?"
I say, "Yes, very single,"
and use the ticket I was given
which means I'm free to head out,
not sure exactly where,
and I'll stay in bounds--
but I don't have to come back.
And if I do, I know I'll have to pay.

(c)M. Lee Alexander     2007

from Observatory

Finishing Line Press, Georgetown, KY