He sat back and half enjoyed the ride.

The day he lost his driver’s licence

Had in turn, been the worst and best day of his life.

The judge took the keys to his life and threw them

Away

And sentenced him to enjoy conversation on the bus.

He had managed to find a job closer to home.

One Hour

Twice a day,

Back and forth

And the people he met were nice enough.

His thoughts turned to home, five minutes

From the cinema, home to the faithful wife.

A hot meal waiting and a bottle of beer.

No…No, he thought to himself.

Can’t go down that particular road again,

You had been lucky before

He told his neighbour reflected outside the bus.

Everything would be lost and you would end up

Like that strange boy at the back or that awful tramp.

He smiled at his neighbour when he saw that

Swinging orange light. He was home,

Always Safe at home.

Ian D. Hall 

Taken from the poetry book, Greyhound Tales.