Behold the Man, 1.

As we waited for the JR from Akihabara to Ryogoku,

he broke the comfortable winter silence:

You know,

if you were to fall between the tracks,

I would try to save you.

And if I couldn't get you out of the way in time before the train came

I would try to stick you in that space between the tracks and hope

that the space above you would be enough clearance.

And if not, I would fling myself over your body,

so that when the train came, it would slice through me

and hopefully spare you.

Really? Hmm... umm...

That's very... sacrificial.

Yeah.

i was taken aback. confused.

a bit annoyed, actually. offended.

how condescending. how paternalistic.
how marvelous! how wonderful!

what was he trying to prove?

his manhood?

my guilt?

//

behold the Man upon a cross

my sin upon his shoulders

ashamed i hear my mocking voice

call out among the scoffers