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
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