Manners
A woman sat down beside me today.
The bus was crowded and cold.
She was small and timid,
Much less young than old.
I smiled politely,
As we're all taught to do.
She said "Why are you smiling?
I didn't speak to you."
I said, "Manners, you ever heard of those?"
She looked undaunted, and just ruffled her nose.
"Noone asked you to smile,
be polite or talk.
I thought I wouldn't be bothered,
I should have just walked."
I said, "I'm sorry mam. Can I help you somehow?"
She grunted a "no" and dropped her brow.
I wasn't giving up, I thought she needed a friend.
I said," I'll get you some coffee if we get off together."
"I don't want your coffee, or your chit-chat kid,
I just rode the bus to get out of the weather.
Leave me alone, all you kids are no good.
You're all a waste of time!
I hate all you brats,
Mind your business not mine!
Having read dozens of books with the "mean old lady" cliche'
I never really got it until my bus ride today.
Copyright © Laura Cline | Year Posted 2005
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