Something New

the 7am bus arrives at 7am
seated at the old backseat
as usual neat brown hair
sporting a beige business suit
she’s poised for action in haberdashery
but dreams of Paris and places far, faraway

it was about mid-afternoon
nobody but her heard the exchange
the till rang through every cell of her being
eyes sparkled excitement as the ticket hit home
a flowing pink patterned dress
danced down the escalator and out the entrance

a noisy magpie scuttles to a nearby branch
the sun breaks through early morning cloud
impatient people are waiting at the bus-stop
the 7am bus arrives late
the backseat is empty
the side-window open

© Richard Scutter 10 January 2007