All Aboard

Life’s a slow bus to the edge of town,
With unplanned stops along the way.
Trust in the driver; he won’t let you down.

Traffic lights shine on a sidewalk clown,
Waltzing the hours till he turns gray.
Life’s a slow bus to the edge of town.

The potholes in the pavement’s crown
Jolt the passengers every day.
Trust in the driver; he won’t let you down.

Distanced from curbs that fade to brown
Stand churches open for all to pray.
Life’s a slow bus to the edge of town.

Welcome your seatmate’s smile or frown.
Pay more than what you have to pay.
Trust in the driver; he won’t let you down.

This trip’s a verb, not just a noun,
Steering you into come what may.
Life’s a slow bus to the edge of town.
Trust in the driver; he won’t let you down.

—David Galef