Around the Us On a Greyhound Bus - Part One

I once traveled around the U. S. on a Greyhound bus, My wife thought I was crazy, but she made little fuss, It was, by far, the most awesome adventure I ever took Three changes of clothes, lots of grit, and a puzzle book, In Atlanta, my small suitcase was temporarily lost I forced myself into the luggage corral, despite the cost, I luckily found it before we left for Memphis, and then Decided I’d never ever check my luggage on the trip again. A friend met me in Memphis, and I spent the night, After two days solid on the bus, I suppose I was a sight, A hot shower and change of clothes, boy, was I set For the long trip to Phoenix, again, where I was met By friends I hadn’t seen since my St. Louis days, I spent the night with them, then went on my way, Arriving in San Diego, California a day or two later, I caught a Greyhound going up the west coast, terrific The most beautiful iconic route along the coastal Pacific. I stopped off in Oakland to get a night of rest, and Having no more friends along the way, the land Up to Spokane was more of the same, but I digress, For after Oakland I had no good places to undress. Starting across the northern part of the country I knew I was beginning to smell a little bit funky. No one cared to sit beside me, I had plenty of room I did my best in the stations’ restrooms to groom. Across Montana, Idaho, and through Dakota, I go A layover in Minneapolis, then on to Chicago, Where the time on my ticket summarily expired. When I approached the desk, they wanted to know If I was the guy traveling around the country, so, I told them, yes, and they said go on home “on us,” So, I headed home to Virginia on the Greyhound bus. Chicago to Indianapolis to Knoxville, I did my best When my wife picked me up, I’d finally get some rest. She had me sit as far away as I could get in the car, Because I smelled like sardines left in an open jar! The experiences I had I won’t forget as long as I live I wouldn’t trade the adventure for anything you’d give The stories I have to tell are far too many to share, I’ll just say travel the U.S.A.; if you can, if you dare. Written December 10, 2022