I journeyed with others on a bus today
paid a sufficient price
and sat in a prime seat towards the front
to my left, a large picture window

the coping people are all here
comfortably unconscious and uncomplicated
carrying their empty shopping bags
their shopping lists and bus tickets
tucked safely in an easy to get to pocket

mostly they are ladies
of a certain age who now
know enough to get along
the exact time the bus should depart
the cost of the fare to the nearest penny
how to be careful

they've perfected the art of hiding
a need or two
they know to devise
a straightforward route
that demands no elbow room
keeps others away
and still we call this living

And look here I am too, blunted
learning all I can from these people
swimming the same slow stroke
keeping control
fighting the suction.