avatarCourtenay Schembri Gray

Summary

A young woman, referred to as a nymphet, reflects on her journey through life and grief while traveling on a bullet train to the electric city, Akihabara, amidst the gaze of others.

Abstract

The narrative captures a poignant moment in the life of a young woman, described as a nymphet, who is traveling on a bullet train. She is emotionally affected by the sight of a crying baby on the train, empathizing with its sorrow. As she smokes a concealed cigarette, she seems to find solace in the act, using it as a means to escape her own grief. The journey ends in Akihabara, the electric city, where the lingering smoke of her cigarette and the presence of a man with a camera hint at the persistent intrusion of the outside world into her introspective state. The city's vibrant, noxious atmosphere contrasts with her internal struggle, as she adjusts her glittery hair clip, perhaps as a symbol of resilience or a desire to maintain appearances despite her inner turmoil.

Opinions

  • The author likely views the protagonist with a sense of empathy, highlighting her vulnerability and coping mechanisms.
  • The baby's distressing cries evoke a compassionate response from the nymphet, suggesting a shared human experience of sorrow and the need for comfort.
  • The act of smoking is portrayed as a personal ritual for the protagonist, a way to momentarily dissipate her grief.
  • The gaze of the man with the camera is perceived negatively, implying a critique of the objectification of women and the intrusive nature of voyeurism.
  • The description of Akihabara as "electric" and "noxious" may reflect an opinion that such environments can be both invigorating and overwhelming, symbolizing the complexities of modern urban life.

AM On The Love Song

A Poem

Photo by Elena Saharova from Pexels

A nymphet sits on a bullet train — on her way to the electric city. Listening to the distressed calls of a baby on the compartment across from her — its eyes raw from the salted drops of eggy substance leaking from the corners. Poor baby. Her own eyes are stuck in a permanent glaze — like strawberry glass. Underneath her painted nails, she conceals a cigarette. The smoke pools in her cupped hands like a bubble. Breathing in the nicotine, she lets her head rest back on the seat. Blowing away the cobwebs of grief from her soul. Reaching Akihabara, the electric city — the smoke still lingers in the noxious atmosphere. Rearranging her glittery hair clip, she spots a man with a camera glancing at her with half moon eyes. Damn.

Kenton Oliver Jessica Lee McMillan J.L. Littlejohn

Poetry
Poetry Prompt
Relationships
Travel
Society
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