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The Q-train

From: Judah Bruce Leblang
Length: 02:42

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A chance encounter on a train Read the full description.

Default-piece-image-0 The "Q train" is a whimsical piece, when the author notices a young man on a subway train, and is drawn to him. The man becomes a blank canvas, on which the narrator projects his dream and fantasies. The piece is bit humorous, a bit wistful--can't we all relate to this 'what if?' scenario?

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Piece Description

The "Q train" is a whimsical piece, when the author notices a young man on a subway train, and is drawn to him. The man becomes a blank canvas, on which the narrator projects his dream and fantasies. The piece is bit humorous, a bit wistful--can't we all relate to this 'what if?' scenario?

Broadcast History

None

Transcript

The Q train
Brooklyn, New York

July 2004

By Judah Leblang/2004
Word count: 325

He sits in a middle seat on the subway train, sandwiched between two other passengers, a young blond man and an older person who barely registers on my consciousness. I’m standing and swaying, holding on to a silver bar on silver car, the Q-train heading toward Manhattan, off to see a play called “I Am My Own Wife,” about the life of a German transvestite.
I am also my own wife—or husband—without a partner or romance on the horizon. I’m trying not to think about that when I notice this young man who sits across from where I stand, his eyes at half mast, his face and body arresting me.
I’m aware of his physique—young, sculpted, vibrant, straining the olive drab of his T-shirt. And yet his face is what draws me in and won’t let go. Under his buzz cut, his dark brown eyes speak of tiredness be...
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Timing and Cues

No special cues

Musical Works

No music--but sound of train leaving station is included.....

Related Website

http://www.judahleblang.com