| THE BUS...PAGE 2 |
He'd never again be taken by suprise This end would be a different one He was ready and in a pocket His fingers closed around the gun He glanced up at the giant clock That showed the time was 6:11 He boarded knowing the crosstown run Would end at 7: 37.... He slid his bus pass through the slot Threading his way to the rear Where he slid into a window seat That made his view of all quite clear From there he'd scope out passengers Decide who his mark would be Then follow when they left the bus It was as simple as could be... The gun was just insurance He thought uneasily in his head Having it meant the upper hand That's what the seller'd said Ben leaned against the window Taking deep breaths in and out Until he saw approaching up the aisle An old man...slow and stout He hobbled up the narrow space Leaning heavily on his cane Heading straight to where Ben sat Staring out the window pane "Do you mind if I sit here?" The old man's words were soft and low Ben just shrugged before he snapped "Would it matter if I said no?" The old man chuckled, "Not even a bit Since it seems I have no choice! There's not another to be had" There was amusement in his voice! "Whatever"...the boy just muttered As the old man settled in his seat He kept his head turned toward the window Staring at the darkening street "This bus is always over-crowded" Said the old man with a wink "The city should add some extra routes" The boy said, "Who cares what you think??" But rather than being offended The old man nodded, his eyes quite kind "The very old and the very young... No one pays us any mind!!" "Look mister, " Ben said exasperated "How about you just keep quiet? I'm not looking for conversation... Silence is golden.....try it!!" But his seatmate only reached out And patted him on the knee "You're far too young to be so sour ....wait till you're old like me!!" Remaining mute at first, Ben shifted Kept looking pointedly away… Finally hissing , “Old man…I have no interest In anything you might say |
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