The Quill

I got off the train at the Riverdale station, where I began to walk.
I walked far into the woods, where the train tracks ran.
A woman saw me, and she asked if I knew a place
I told her no, but then she told me a bit about her life
I really didn’t care much, but I didn’t feel like being rude
So I listened.
And listened.
And listened.
It felt like forever.
But, one part I remember was an essay she wrote when she was in college
about the Erie Canal. She figured out I liked watching trains,
and she told me about how the trains ran next to the Erie Canal
but I knew that.
I had been on them.
That was the only part I remember.
we parted ways, and I said “nice to meet you”
And I never saw her again
That was just one of life’s comedic acts.

Author’s Note:
The inspiration behind this work: I found myself walking through a lowly park back in freshman year in the Bronx, when a woman who looked to be in her 60s or 70s came up to me and asked for directions. Having not been super familiar with the surrounding area, I said no. The exchange quickly devolved into a series of topics I had not really expected. Ranging from an old boyfriend the woman had, to the Erie Canal (which I was already aware of), I felt this whole exchange would be extremely fitting for an “absurd” story.

Written by Kannon Peters
Vol. 03 Absurdity