M train over the williamsburg bridge

there's a birdcage
in a plastic wrapper
that says thank you backwards
in front of an expressionless
little old man
sitting next to an expressionless
little old woman

each stares at a particular
portion of the floor
of the train.

the bird tells a story
that asks
what the hell is going on?

shadows thru superstructure
thru windows
flash bars on the floor.