Mum's Advice Ignored - "don'T Talk To Strangers!"

When I was young, an urban lass, and not gregarious,
I’d never dream of speaking to a stranger on a bus.

I’d sit, demure, my eyes downcast, and hope quite desperately
That none of those weird passengers would try accosting me.

But, now I’m “fair and forty” (ish!) I’m bolder, and what’s more,
I’ve lived so long in Somerset I’d clean forgot mum’s law …

Until I went to London town to see my student daughter;
She lectured me for doing what I really didn’t oughta!

“You shouldn’t, mum! It isn’t safe!” she cried, in some alarm.
“Some folk round here are really strange. you might have come to harm!”

I’m sorry I upset her, but  I carried on regardless.
I found most folks in London are quite friendly … even harmless.

Oh! I do love London Transport, and its camaraderie!
I had such fun, and lots of laughs and all completely free (!)

But now I’m home, I realise …
That weirdo, then,
Was me!!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Brown Avatar
July 8, 2009 at 5:38 AM
Frances, we can't go through life afraid of the world and the people in it. I am proud you found the bold in you. Struggling with Weirdo take that paragraf out you don't need it in this poem. Just my opinion. Love, Carol
Kershaw Avatar
July 7, 2009 at 11:44 PM
Frances, I don't know if your mum and daughter were right or wrong, but I've found strangers on the Bus to be friends I hadn't met yet. Very nice writing. I enjoyed this very much. Hope to read much more from you. All the Best, Will
King Avatar
July 7, 2009 at 2:42 PM
You can see my struggle with "weirdo" in my poem "Spelling B***"
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