Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Selfishness (05/14/26)
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TITLE: The Woman on the Train | Previous Challenge Entry
By Arrah Atem-Tambe
05/21/26 -
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who sat across from me but in no way could see my pain.
She had a dog and a white cat
and many bags on top of that.
Her hat was big; her frame was tall―
she did not notice me at all.
She took out a large mirror and began to scan her face;
the world closed in around her as she relished in her space.
From crown to brim and side to side,
she feigned surprise yet smiled with pride.
Beaming as though she were a doll,
she did not notice me at all.
She constantly would pat herself and her dear entourage;
with gentle strokes, she kept them calm amidst a self-massage.
She called each one a pretty name
and called herself, “my darling dame!”
So self-absorbed by her own call,
she did not notice me at all.
As the journey proceeded, it came her time to eat.
While her pets were fast asleep, she fancied something sweet.
She nibbled on some cakes and pies,
oblivious to my hungry eyes.
Though weakly slumped against the wall,
she did not notice me at all.
Our journey came to a stop in the middle of nowhere.
(They say this happened often and was due to wear and tear.)
The route was long; the train was old;
the day was gone; the night was cold.
She looked so warm despite the stall―
she did not notice me at all.
At last, there came another train with hands to help and food
and warmth and water which by now could do everyone good.
“I cannot wait; come quench my thirst!”
“No ma’am, we’ll help the children first!”
Now caught up in a tiny brawl,
she could not notice me at all!
And that is how I parted from the woman on the train:
they saw my tears and led me off while she argued in vain.
My eyes were dim; my face looked sad;
but hope was here; my heart was glad!
She had so much (I sure recall),
but I don’t envy her at all.
Now that you know my story of the woman on the train,
I hope I never meet someone like her in life again.
That was my childhood intro to the world of selfish men;
I pray with all my heart that I will never be like them!
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