modest pride

my pride is born of modesty

I feel a little embarrassed

but allow me to be more humble than you

and look, there in the window,

I watch your eyes search for your eyes

in the tunnel you are looking for self-admiration

and me

I try to understand you

I look past my portrait

and try to recognize your mood

and feel, from two seats and an aisle away,

the tiredness and calmness

that you brought with you from the day

that may not be gone by morning

I prefer to watch you like this

until you are suddenly set in motion 

by a mumbled announcement of the next station

and as you brush by me

I don't dare to meet your gaze

Instead, look past the city into my own eyes

and feel a little embarrassed

that I'm so proud of my modesty.

-irma 6feb2020