Subway Qualm Part I

Great real estate on the subway: the door. Yes I know you are technically not supposed to lean on it, one because it supposedly causes damage to the doors and two, they might inadvertently open mid-ride, however...leaning on the door is prime when there's no seating space available.

Recently during rush hour a kind man offered me his spot on the door. He saw that I was reading and highlighting a giant textbook, carrying a huge backpack, and trying to hold on to the railing above. It was great. (Very soon after though, a couple of obnoxious banker types - a young guy and a woman in bright blue cashmere - got on and totally shoved me to the side as they discussed who from "Goldman" would be at "the Christmas party"...They also said "wow is everyone on this train going to this party?" Yeah obviously I was in my torn Jansport and 5 o'clock frizz - oh and did I mention the enormous textbook that was suddenly pressed up against me, papers sticking out and an open highlighter ready to stain the next shirt that slammed into me?)

This morning I once again found myself on a crowded subway, holding a hardcover book, a notebook and a pencil trying to jot down notes (for a paper I'm writing on Noah Webster). This time I had nothing to hold on to as two people leaned on "the door" and all the pole space was blocked or taken. So I sucked in my abs, bent my knees, and braced myself as the subway zoomed through the tunnels. I kept wondering why the dude a foot away from me playing Tetris wouldn't offer his door space. I mean, if he were sitting, would he offer me his seat?

I wonder if most people consider that the door can be considered space that can be given, just as a seat is. I know the MTA would not endorse this, so you don't see signs that say "Priority Seating" or "Won't you please give this seat to the disabled...?"

The door is prime real estate because one, it separates you from the rest of the crowd, giving you a sweet corner to yourself, with a view of the urban artwork on tunnel walls, scurrying rats (not really), buckets and gloves here and there, and even an abandoned train station here and there (that's true). It also gives you a nice place to relax, as you wait for the train to get to the next station. And there's the rub...

(to be continued)