Quiet on the tube today, able to get a seat when I got on, sat next to someone who was reading the paper, when he finished he folded it neatly and placed behind him on the window ledge. Nothing unusual as most people do this. He then folded his arms and sat back, within in minutes he was dozing, or asleep and was doing that head bob, you know just as you are about to drift into sleep you then sit up straight. He did two or three times and was fighting the “sandman”. Next thing I know he is resting his head on my shoulder, I moved away and he did the head bob, sat upright and then started the process again. Why at 8:03am are you sleeping, what’s he going to be like when he gets to work, will he be sleeping at his desk! However I suppose he could be retuning from the night shift on his way home. When I got off the tube he was slumped in his seat with his head full back and I am sure I heard him snoring.
Ran up the stairs to the next platform just as the train was arriving and able to get straight on. Right in the middle of the carriage a passenger was leaning with his back up against the pole with his feet wide apart to steady himself and was reading the newspaper. In his thirties, smart grey suit and a briefcase between his legs. The rest of the carriage was full and nowhere to hold on apart from this centre pole. The girl next to me was trying to hold on and was tentatively holding the pole by his neck as this was the only gap available. Bit selfish I thought.
I could either hold on above is head, which would have been a bit of a streach, so I opted for a bit of pole dancing. I get on this train for one stop and know this bit of track intimately, the train slows for a signal just as we hit a right hand bend and then sets off again with the announcement of the next station. The same every day. Anticipating the bend and signal stop I grab the pole with my right hand about where the small of his back is, and there is just enough room for a bit of purchase.
As the train slows and then lurches I swing round to my left with my best pirouette so I am now in front if him crushing his newspaper, but in the right position to exit in front of the door. I offer an apology and see the girl laughing as he stands bolt upright. I smile and the door opens and I fall out with my second pirouette and off up the stairs to the exit. Who thought you could do two pirouettes in a day, and so early in the morning.
Why is it that passengers think they are the only one riding the train and have little or no consideration for other tube users, a bit of empathy goes a long way and not only to the next stop. I can see a pirouette might be coming your way of you hog the centre pole so no other passengers can use it. And it comes without a pink tutu.
A Rock and A Hard Place 