Christmas Contrast

We boarded the busy, bustling bus Adults and children – it transported us When a crotchety man I knew as a neighbor Exhibited his usual Scrooge-like behavior He snorted and snapped “Get out of my way” “I’ve paid my fare on this miserable day Oh how I wish I could commit suicide I hate this nasty and noisome ride” Now, also traveling to his destination Was an old man of a very different persuasion Who sang quite loudly, as teenagers laughed And didn’t mind if they thought he was daft Whether carols or pop songs, he cared not one whit But warbled away – for the sheer joy of it This curious cacophony caused me to chuckle And I thought: “This is certainly quite a kerfuffle” Some passengers stared, and some others scowled While more of them smiled, there were some who growled Which shall be your bearing this season As you search for meaning, as you quest for reason? For Elaine George's "Tell Me a Story" contest