The Big City

Just off the airport bus at Grand Central,
A family of four
Puts down their bags while Mom seeks info
On subways at a store.

“It’s this way,” she tells her kids and Dad,
“A train called the Shuttle goes
To our hotel where we can all
Unpack and change our clothes.”

The couple and their solemn daughters,
Who look about seven and ten,
Walk down the ramp in the direction
Of subway-card selling men.

And Mom reaches into a fabric bag
For helmets she knew to prepare:
“Now girls, let’s tie these tightly on–
It could be rough down there.”