I can close my eyes, block out the sun.

I can close my mouth, keep out the water - and keep in things better left unsaid.

I could close my mind I guess - others seem to manage well enough.

So what went wrong with my ears - where did you put the off switch for train journeys, evolution?

Ten tiresome children, repeating their me me mantra until their parents crack
A hundred ring tones, tinnily proclaiming the tacky taste of their owners
A thousand inane conversations, cud chewed openly with a slack mouth.

What would I miss?
The moment when you realise that half the carriage is listening to the same phone conversation as you, and are all trying not to laugh.
Some last minute platform changes, for sure.
And maybe I'd get stung by hornets or run over by a lorry. But at least I would go quietly...

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