Have you ever been on a New York City subway during rush hour? I've been there, done that, and planned to write a post on it. This post was supposed to be one of those posts in which I wittily comment about how during rush hour, the train can sway all it wants and no one will fall. The crush of bodies supports the unsteady.Picture it: the train is at the station. You've just gotten on and are standing there, vainly trying to grab hold of one of the poles spaced throughout the train. The doors somehow manage to close, and suddenly, the train jerks into motion. Your hand grabs for the pole, misses, and you feel like you're going to fall.You don't.
The belly of the fat, smelly man standing behind you bolsters you from behind. The lady in her business suit holds you up on your left. You're supported on your right by the guy bobbing his head to the tune on his iPod. Minutes later, the train stops. You still haven't managed to grab hold of the pole, so you begin to fall onto the lap of the micro-mini-skirt-wearing teenager sitting in front of you.
It's hopeless to try to grab that pole now. Better to just stand there and let the massive tide of humanity keep you standing in place.
NOTE: While I was looking for a picture to go with this post, I came across this article and this video. They're pretty good.
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6 comments:
Couldn't agree more! You wrote that so well!
It's fun to ride the train once in a while - it's a real experience!! : )
Actually, the last time I rode the train was so long ago that I can't really remember it. But thanks for reminding me. I'll be sure to avoid subways from here on.
[Shudders]
I actually fainted on a NJ transit bus to the city when I was expecting (early stages)- they'd overcrowded it because of a breakdown. I didn't fall down or move. I woke up exactly where I'd been five minutes before.
And then I had to take the subway.
I remember standing on a train and was wondering where to sit, then it started and I sat on the seat in back of me. I was thinking, I guess I'll sit here
What a great post, with bits of dry humor within.
When I was 15, I went to NY with my mother to visit relatives.
She wanted to take the subway, and I refused. Sounds like I missed quite an experience.
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