Travel Sickness

Travelling by train from Luton to London
To attend a writers' convention
I spotted the chap in the seat opposite
Was reading my latest collection

Feeling my chest swell with authorial pride,
I coughed to attract his attention.
'I see that you're reading my book', I remarked,
Expecting a friendly reception.

Instead, he went red. 'Have it back', he said,
'I was under a misapprehension.
It was on my seat when I boarded the train,
But it's quite beyond comprehension.'

Copyright © Paul Curtis. All Rights Reserved