Predicament of Kolkata's Bus Commuter

The Predicament of Kolkata’s Bus Commuter

Two dozen perspiring commuters are wearily waiting for the bus,
Exasperated because of the delay and frustrated due to the rush.
The rickety contraption rumbles to a halt on the potholed bumpy road.        Like projectiles, passengers hurtle up, in a desperate hurry to board,             Or wriggle in like worms, for there isn’t a sliver of space in the bus.                            To avail of the much awaited moment of arrival, one can’t fret or fuss!

 With people pressing from all sides, like a python’s constriction, 
 Blood pressure starts rising when there is the least bit of friction.
 Inadvertently a man has now stepped on somebody’s dainty toes.
 But it’s not the least or last of the unfortunate commuter’s woes.
 Her starched uniform is sodden from the damp of someone's sweat.
 Another had garlic for lunch; the odour is afloat through his breath.

 “I’ve lost my false hair,” wails a distraught damsel in distress,
 As a lady is alighting with the hair stuck to her velvety dress.
“Stop, it is my Stop!” shouts an irate passenger in an angry voice.
 He misses his Stop for the conductor hasn’t heard him in the noise.
 Trapped in the womb of the vehicle, he swears he will ne’er ever again
 Trust a Kolkata bus--- though he might venture in a 'pilotless' plane!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Paul Avatar
February 19, 2019 at 9:50 AM
One of my favourites!
Roy Avatar
February 22, 2019 at 10:38 AM
Thank you Rhiddhit. I am so happy that you liked the poem!
Krutsinger Avatar
February 18, 2019 at 6:53 AM
You have helped me visualize this so well, I never want to be in one. " Like projectiles, passengers hurtle up, in a desperate hurry to board, Or wriggle in like worms, for there isn’t an iota of space in the bus." Great job Brita.
Roy Avatar
February 22, 2019 at 10:45 AM
Thank you Caren. Your appreciation gives me the necessary encouragement and inspiration to go on with my creative writing, Thank you once again.
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