Katherine Isabella Olsen

Published in Livina Press Issue 8 – Spring 24

To the man on the bus with six fingers:
I’m sorry that when I looked and saw
You tucked your finger under
The palm of your hand that rested
On the door. I didn’t mean to stare-
Sticky with sweat, head swinging
Around to relieve the heat of my hair
On my neck. I had only just seen you
And realized when you hid it away.
Perhaps I’m too self-centered
And even in the heat you like to feel
It pressing skin to skin. How would
I know? It’s selfish to assume that I
Affected you in any way. I hope
You know that if I did though,
I hope your next bus is less crowded.