Boy with the Bag

A boy with a bag
Squeezes himself in as the train doors slide shut

At 6.4ft tall he looms
(Though his demeanour, not loud)
It’s relatively easy
To spot him in this crowd

The Priority Seat is empty
The train is packed
He walks forward to sit
People judge kids like that —

Built, healthy kids
Stealing seats like that

He drops himself down
With a backpack and a sling
Settles himself in
How comfortable, they think

Their eyes peel him
From top to bottom
Ignoring the expression he bears
So tired and solemn

Then they notice
Tubes coiled around his bag
Fluid runs through
And someone tries not to gag

A man stares hard enough
And figures it all out
Why it’s not easy
To miss him in this crowd

He’s a boy with the bag
Struggling daily to keep his kidneys intact

Inspired by a person on the train.