Awkward

She was a plump young girl

Large around her middle

Seeing it and I had thought

Within her she had a little bundle!

I offered her my seat

She asked me to stay

I got on my feet

She abruptly looked away.

Tapping her shoulder

I asked her to sit

'No' she gave a shudder

And grimly her lip she bit.

In a crowded train

I'd given my seat for a song

One would have thought

I had done something wrong!

Youngsters these days!

I thought to myself

An impolite upstart

What does she think of herself?

Brushing me off like a spec of dust

And she the feather duster

Get rid of me she must

With all the power she could muster!

People around had seen the scene

They could sense something brew

Some glanced at me as if to mean

Whats the matter with you?

I looked at her afresh

My temper ready to tip

In a flash I saw my gaffe

Shame had me in its grip

I had imagined a bun in the oven

How could i make such a botch?

I looked at her again

All she had was a paunch!

She had moved far away

Very distressed I could see

Her face had turned grey

Poor thing, she was ready to flee!

In her anger she was justified

Now I will always be petrified

Of offering my seat

To any pregnant girl on her feet.

----

Originally published in 2017