Ode to the Bus Driver

by Joe Brundidge 

Ode to the bus driver 

i. e. the driver of the bus 

aka Patron Saint of Passenger Patrons

aka uniformed Charon 

carrying us all on

to parts unknown with no questions 

provided

That we have the right change 

and or a dollar or a card 

to parts both unknown and predetermined

You always get us where we need to be

Or as close as possible 

when we need to go 

when it's time to leave 

when we just want to 

go 

somewhere 

you 

are there

all we need is the fare

and whether or not anyone cares

be you nite owl

or my daily driver 

when I need to get to that 

destination 

you be my provider

You get me 

where I need to be 

when I need that lift 

you carry me

be you early or on time I

wouldn't have gotten there sooner

I

could not have gotten 

there 

sooner

without you

grateful 

for everyday you saw me 

and allowed me on board 

Which is why when I pull that cord

before I get on my hustle 

before I disembark 

before I unboard

I say nothing less

than Thank You

and 

be safe.