.
,
.
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My nightmare is about to begin.
I stand motionless as a moving stairway carries me down, down, down.
A tunnel envelopes me. To my left and right, behind me and before, people stand in silence. Motionless like so many statues, seemingly unaware of others that surround them.
The stillness is disturbed by a sudden rush of wind. A distant rumble becomes a roar as a silver snake rattles to a halt before me. A row of menacing doors hiss open, like hungry gaping mouths. I watch as a surging mass makes its escape, buffeting me in its frantic bid for freedom.
‘Mind the gap’ commands an echoing voice.
I am carried forward by a throng, seemingly eager to be swallowed up. We cram against each other like sardines in a can. A jerk. I grip a post. We sway as one, this way and that, that way and this. Nobody speaks.
We are deep underground. My body is here, but it yearns to be above in a bustling street where folk are going about their lives oblivious to what is happening beneath their feet.
‘We are now approaching Angel’, utters a langid voice.
‘Mind the gap’, it says.
I stand motionless as a moving stairway carries me up, up, up.
Free at last!
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Thanks to Sadje for hosting What Do You See?
Image credit; Douglas Schneiders @ Unsplash
Oh, fab… ‘mind the gap’ is rushing in my mind from the last time I went in the tube in London!
You hear it a lot down there!
This was so alive, dear Keith. I was right there on the train with you.
Thanks Nancy, sorry it was so crowded!
Your reading was perfection! Not a note of suspense went unfelt!
Thans, Jodi, I’m pleased it had the desired effect!
I loved this. Always hated being underground during rush hour. You recreated that claustrophobic energy that I felt everytime I stepped into the tube station.
Well done, Keith
I suffered years of it. No longer, thank goodness!
I feel the same.
being embedded in a crowd is nightmare enough… being propelled against one’s will? two words: ayiiee
Too true.
Subways and the underground make me nervous.
Can’t say I blame you. It’s like another world down there!
I suffered from panic attacks many years ago and closed in places triggers them.
Brilliant Keith – I love how you were experiencing both a literal and metaphorical hell, only to be announced as approaching ‘Angel’ right before the ascension to freedom👏
I’m please my choice of destination had the desired effect! Thanks so much, Ange.
It reminds me of being in the Metro in Paris on Bastille Day, on the way home from the fireworks. Not one more person could have been crammed on.
Thanks, Mimi. I can but imagine.
Keith this is such an evocative piece. I felt every movement. Thanks for joining in.
Thanks Sadje, I hope you’ve recovered!
You’re very welcome 😍
It is very lively, Keith.
Thank you so much, Indira