At The Bus Stop Poem by Dr Tapan Kumar Pradhan
At The Bus Stop
Eight-thirty! .... still no sign of the bus -
The driver must be sipping his coffee
By some roadside dhaba, why should he care
If the passengers suffer? …… if I suffer?
A quarter-to-nine! Gosh… I wonder whether
That driver is still having his coffee there
Or is gossiping somewhere, maybe chewing paan -
Or is that dhaba owner a breasty woman?
Nine-fifteen! When shall now I reach office?
Have those drivers all called a sudden strike?
Lo! Gandhi taught them hartal and now
They are striking everyday - bless Democracy!
They will pilfer the diesel, then sell the tyres
And will strike now for more salaries!
Nine-thirty now! ….. Bless me Lord!
Is that bloody driver debauching somewhere?
Oh I know these drivers and those dhaba women -
Go debauch whole night, who stops you rascal? -
But you will debauch n-o-w at nine thirty! !
A quarter-to-ten! …..Oh my Lord!
Has that driver met with a crash or what!
Must be drunk with hooch, and dead asleep
Or maybe the helper was driving, who knows now
Anybody can get a license these days
By bribing the R.T.O. - the cursed lot!
It's ten! … Oh no, I'll take a taxi -
Taxi! …oye, ahoy! Taxi! Taxi! Taxi!
Hah…no, why should he listen
Cursed lot!
I'll walk to office ….!
Arrey, what! The bus has arrived!
Ah, at last! Oh, thank you dear driver -
Thanks Lord! I won't have to walk to office
Slow down, slow down! Do not hurry now, dear driver!
I think there must've been a traffic-jam somewhere -
The bloody city traffic these days! !
********
Note: -
Dhaba: - a roadside eatery for truck drivers
Paan: - betel leaf with lime and areca nuts chewed in India as a mouth stimulant
Hartal: - Call of strike to force the authorities to meet a demand
R.T.O.: - Road Transport Office
What a original poem. Never read anything like this. Perfectively depicts the state of mind of passengers at a bus stop. I give 10 out of 10.
you have managed to succintly put together the various thoughts that run amok one's mind while waiting for the bus.. i love the link ups created that could have been responsible for the possible delay and how u succeeded in co-relating it to the myriad of emotions that a human mind is entangled in.! ! awesome imaginations and profound linkages. kudos! ! |
This is a really really stupid poem. I don't even want to comment on the terribly amateurish attempt at a poem.
a lovely description of a commuter who suffers everyday with this sort of troubles and confusion where I also can relate myself. excellent.
Very very good Dr. Pradhan. This type of situation reminds me not about the bus stop but riding the subways in the large cities. They are sometimes slow, crowded, dirty and most times late. When you have to get to work on time it can be a horrible situation to be caught in. It is difficult to stay calm and patient. Definitely not for the weak minded. Another eye opener from you. Well said.
you have managed to succintly put together the various thoughts that run amok one's mind while waiting for the bus.. i love the link ups created that could have been responsible for the possible delay and how u have succeeded in co-relating it to the myriad of emotions that a human mind is entangled in! ! awesome imagination and profound linkage. kudos! ! |
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
4/19/2024 3:33:20 AM # 1.0.0.1119
This is a good write sir, you have beautifully portrayed the tensions that can spur in the mind of a commuter. I felt this also as a mockery towards the general public who are fickle minded in having a stand. Bravo!