Notes from the underground
So, it's 5:20 AM and I am on the train heading west to work. At the stop that is 625' under the Oregon Zoo, the doors open and I am joined in the car by two very dubious looking men and happily by a security guard. I am sort of grateful for the security guard since I am the only one in the car and these guys are scary. One is about 6'2", at least 300 pounds and has a Hitler look alike theme going with his hair cut and mustache. Also much facial metal stud stuff and big rubber plugs in his ears. His buddy is of the same build, but bald with very ornate Maori tattoos on his head, face and mostly every visible skin surface. And they got on at a stop that serves no residential neighborhood and no open businesses. And they are both carrying large duffle bags. I am thinking Columbine thoughts and freaking myself out. And, the security guard takes one look around the car and LEAVES!!! Train pulls away from the station and it's me and them in the car.
They are sitting across from me staring at me. I read somewhere that if you can make a human connection with your potential adversary, be it eye contact, voice or whatever, you may survive the encounter. So I pop out my earbuds and say "Good Morning". They look at each other and then reply good morning back. Still staring at me though. Then they look at each other again and start unzipping their big duffle bags. I am REALLY nervous now. Then I realize that they are digging out their KNITTING. Mr Hitler (whose name I later learn is Ethan) has a great moss green and grey argyle sweater in progress. Mr Maori (AKA Tyler) is working on a blue and gold striped vest. Much knitting talk ensues between all parties and the train bumps merrily along.
Yes, it's an old lesson - the one about books and their covers. But it's nice to find it again in unexpected places.
They are sitting across from me staring at me. I read somewhere that if you can make a human connection with your potential adversary, be it eye contact, voice or whatever, you may survive the encounter. So I pop out my earbuds and say "Good Morning". They look at each other and then reply good morning back. Still staring at me though. Then they look at each other again and start unzipping their big duffle bags. I am REALLY nervous now. Then I realize that they are digging out their KNITTING. Mr Hitler (whose name I later learn is Ethan) has a great moss green and grey argyle sweater in progress. Mr Maori (AKA Tyler) is working on a blue and gold striped vest. Much knitting talk ensues between all parties and the train bumps merrily along.
Yes, it's an old lesson - the one about books and their covers. But it's nice to find it again in unexpected places.