Coke Addict on the Subway
by Chris Maffucci-Fitanides
Having crossed the buzzing gates today
I made designs to find some other way
To quench the thirst my dry throat could not bear
So clogged it was with dirty subway air
An iced coffee, a glass of water would
Without doubt treat my teeth and liver good
Aranciata rossa or agua con gas
Brought from Italy to Back Bay, so fast
But these my foolish windpipe must reject
And as it does, on every day, elect
For a blushing can, with fizzing amber filled
And it arrives, as my five quarters willed
Slides down the chute, where my coins are taken
Slightly warm, and more than slightly shaken
The crisp tab cracks beneath my eager thumb
And noting the arriving train, I run