the fast bus

it’s faster than a line drive off the bat of "Chico" Pimento

shortstop out of Santo Christo Parish.

it’s faster than an 8th Street hooker ducking through

the backdoor of the inebriated Columbus Cafe.

it’s the bus which goes from one place to another place

on the expressway through time contorting the expressions

of its passengers along the way.

age and mechanical difficulties have slowed its pace

these last few years causing concern over its longevity.

some have said that officials on the case have arranged

for its disposition to old man Johnson’s "museum of sheet metal"

and everyone’s feeling low-down.–– but

maybe the time has come for the fast bus to travel the slow ride

to the big lonesome where nothing moves.