The Rolling Dead: Missing My Aural Aura

Ran late today and forgot to grab my earphones. It's amazing how much
louder the subway is.

Strange thing how it happens, but when I'm in a crowd and put on
headphones, I have a feeling of invulnerability. Same thing actually
happens when I put on glasses--maybe because I don't wear them much.
It's like I'm watching everyone through a window at a safe distance.
I consciously realize that this idea is bonkers. I'm just as likely to
get shivved while listening to a podcast. Exponentially more likely,
probably, since I won't hear them coming.

I remember, when I got my first iPod and would listen to it with KP
around, she used to say I was like a teenager ignoring his family.
Now I'm on the train and I look around and half the folks have wires
coming out of their ears and the rest are looking down and clicking
their thumbs against little glowing rectangles, like I'm doing now.

Some are doing both.

I realize that I have no idea if this train car is full or empty.
Never even glanced up at the person who had been sitting next to me
the whole trip and just got up and left.

Public transport indeed.