Rhumba on the Subway

By Lyn Lifshin

a little quick quick
slow as the car jolts.
Knees soften up
the aisle, slam
close to each
to each other.
A hip can't help
lifting as a back
pack goes whack
close to the round
man's face. He's
got rhythm, he's
gonna learn to
shape his booty.
Quick, quick slow
and keep it low,
keep it soft, rush
hour rhumba
down by the docks,
hold your baby