Beneath These Streets
-
-
-
-
-
Far Rockaway, New York City
At this point I had discerned the end-of-line pattern: train enters station. Waiting train across platform waits another 8 seconds, closes doors, and leaves station. Newly-arrived train closes doors, conductor walks length of train opening one door in each car, people trickle on and comfortably settle into the prime seats. 15 minutes later, all doors open to the ringing of the electric bell, train enters station across platform, and the pattern cycles through again.
There's a surprising comfort, a satisfying rhythm to that, a sort of secret at the end of the line, to be savored by those who know how to take advantage of the sanctuary of a subway car at its most peaceful, with one door open and free of the sound of passing trains and superfluous announcements on the speakers.
The perfect place to be alone in a crowd. -
-
-