on time

I remember, fifty years ago
Bus ride home from school
Full heat of glowering sun
Face flat against cool window
Asleep between stops
Kaleidoscopic dreams confusing
Conversations of passengers
With people bouncing around my head
White collar grey with sweat
So hot, stumbling to the steps
Down to the platform
Watching the stop approaching
Stepping off as the bus paused
Finding my feet for the first time

~

CLP 08/09/2023