Written for Wea’ve Written Weekly.
Our PoW, Selma, challenges us
to write a summertime triolet.

The subway stalls, and all the lights go dark.
A hundred bodies crowd this stalled train car.
No hum, no breeze … just heat and one faint spark,
the subway stalls, and all the lights go dark.
Someone’s shoulder jabs me like a shark,
while sweat-soaked strangers wilt against the car.
The subway stalls, and all the lights go dark.
A hundred bodies crowd this stalled train car.
NAR©2026
#W3
This is “Summer In The City” by The Lovin’ Spoonful
Everything on The Elephant’s Trunk was created by me, except where otherwise indicated. Thanks for your consideration. NAR©2017-present.
hi, Nancy❣️
Just wanna let you know that this week’s W3, hosted by our beloved Matt Snyder, is live until next Monday (Aug. 3):
Much love,
David
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Great poem, Nancy! That sounds absolutely miserable.
Yvette M Calleiro 🙂
yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
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It was and I dreaded my daily commute. So glad that part of my life didn’t last long. Thanks, Yvette.
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Nancy, I could feel the heat and panic as you turned a stalled subway car into a crowded nightmare.
~David
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Thanks so much, David. And I only scratched the surface of what it was like.
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You rocked it!
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Nancy I’m so glad that this is an experience I’ve ever had! You made it seem so real and vivid that I can almost smell the sweat!
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Val, I’m so glad these days are long behind me; I don’t miss commuting to the city at all. Thanks for leaving such a great comment! 😊
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All those sweaty bodies jammed together…glad it isn’t part of my commute any more. Great song choice.
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Me too, Heather. It was hell! Thanks so much 😊
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You’re welcome.
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The Lovin’ Spoonful!! I have always liked their music.
Riding the trams at airports about did me in. I cannot imagine the subway. Way too close for comfort.
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I’ll never forget; I was traumatized by every perv who copped a feel. It’s an inhumane way to travel. I’m lucky I only lasted four years before I stopped working in NYC.
Gotta love the Spoonful! Thanks Lois.
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wonderful triolet, but, Yikes! A claustrophobic nightmare! I love the song. It was so good to hear it again. It has been a long time!
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Thanks, Lisa; it’s a great song. Fortunately, after four year working in the city, we decided to start a family and I became a stay at home mom.
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I hate being on overcrowded trains, and being stuck in a stalled one on stinking hot day, would be my worst nightmare, Nancy
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I eventually got smart and started taking the train further downtown and getting on the uptown train at its point of origin. The train was empty and I was guaranteed a corner seat. As long as I was sitting, I didn’t care how many often the train got stuck. 🥰 Great track by Joe Cocker. 💙🎶
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My absolute musical pleasure my friend 🥰🎶
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sounds horrendous Nance – terrible at the best of times but in summer heat unbearable 🥵
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It is horrible; even worse when a stranger tries to cop a feel! 😮
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Oh my god some people will never miss an opportunity 🤬
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Leave it to summer… not my favorite season. Your triolet is realistic. Great photo for it too. Wow. Thanks for joining. Xo
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My pleasure, Selma, and thanks for your comments. I enjoyed this challenge! 😊
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Must’ve been very uncomfortable
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Yes …. especially when you feel an unwelcome hand on your butt! 😬
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Oh no!!! Definitely
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