Steel Dust

Jaray Hunt

Jaray Hunt: At work

(Wear a mask if you’re an essential worker or stay home)

I can’t breathe-
underground air feels heavy of steel dust 
blackness on the walls, you see, is not me-
drug addicts back and forth 
itching for a fix or sex
used needles on the ground 
rats the size of rabbits carrying food or rabies
each silver train car is a studio apartment, 
seats are bathrooms or bedrooms
don’t sit, don’t touch, look 
deep inside the long black tunnels
where the mole people live

Jaray Hunt is a writer, rapper, poet and photographer from Harlem. He is currently a grad student at CCNY, pursuing an MFA with a focus in poetry. He also works for the NYC MTA. @mambo_photos