Living On Three Continents: Getting There
Susan Siddeley thought that the menacing bus drivers of Santiago should be cautioned, retrained, fined or jailed. Then comes the day when you have to take the bus...
Like streaks of yellow lightning
or bullets from a gun,
along the city’s throughways
these metal monsters run.
With singular black markings
and horns that never rest,
they come in ceaseless swarms,
putting nerve-ends to the test.
Roaring up your rear-side
or at your left-side door,
cutting in your right-side,
it’s All-Out Global War.
With the screech of worn-out brakes,
they slam up at the lights,
threatening all pedestrians,
especially those in tights.
Their drivers should be cautioned,
retrained or fined or jailed.
Sheer number gives them power
…so far attempts have failed.
Then comes the day you need to cross
the city without fuss.
The car won’t start, the Metro’s far,
so you HAVE TO TAKE A BUS.
It comes on time. It’s very cheap.
The chauffeur’s not a tough.
You get a front seat with an excellent view
and say, “Thank you,” when you get off.
