An Older Couple Waiting For An Amtrak Bus

With her gray bun
in a patterned brown scarf,
she sits on a bench
reading a mystery novel
‘Killer Hair.'

I'm sitting inside one of several long pews, watching
ominous clouds and increasing winds
and the historic Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House.

He sat beside her
reading geographical quizzes
to us over his striped glasses
matching her other scarf, paisley.

I think of how couples grow
so similar in appearance.
She offers him a piece of a homemade
cookie and smiles at me briefly, peacefully.

She watches him
as he walks to the men's room.

She watches over
their four matching black bags
with pink straps.

I think about a winning poem
of living peacefully.

I think about a sit-com episode,
an Everybody Loves Raymond episode
of the grandparents
eating and arguing peacefully.

After noticing the luggage I think
of two friends asking me
"What is your favorite color?"