The Wheels on the Bus

Autumn in the District. The leaves are gorgeous, the drag queens are a runnin', and I am finding deep joy riding the bus. There's so much I should fill you in on about my life as of late, but somehow since my commute takes up a good chunk of my day it feels all too appropriate to pontificate about the happiness which can be public transportation.

I am learning to center myself on "the moment" and not run too far ahead in my thoughts. My new game is attempting to bring other people into the moment with a smile or a few words. When I ride the bus in the mornings especially, I make sure to pay attention to the driver. Usually, they will have a breakfast they try to sneak while driving or a crossword puzzle at red lights. Sometimes they are sick with the same crud which seems to be plaguing the rest of the city. Whenever I get off the bus, I make sure to thank them but also to pull them out of the monotony of the morning commute with a few words. It all depends on the circumstance. It can be "Feel better" or "Good luck with the rest of the puzzle" or "Enjoy your meal." I get a kick out of noticing, and often times, they are amused... I like to think occasionally charmed... by being noticed. We are all actively on this planet, although I think all too often we go into autopilot and lose track of life as it happens around us.

There's something sterile about the metro in that sense. I get unnerved by not needing to be actively engaged in pulling the cord when it's time for my stop. It always feels as though something critical to the process of traveling is missing. Also, I've found I truly enjoy other people who notice and sharing a secret smile with them. This noticing rarely seems to occur on the metro. Where as on the bus, people are always laughing at babies or young children or are otherwise interacting with each other. At times this communication is as simple as a wordless glance, but humanity thrives in those exact exchanges and innate understandings.

Then there's the people I meet. My "I'm askable" button on my messenger bag has gotten a little attention. I met a young woman named Sierra that way. Then there was the 40-ish year old man who just wanted to talk about life and love. The Caribbean man who brought an umbrella with him, because he knew if he did, then it would NOT rain. The random guy who tried to ask me for money to help him start his rap career. James Jackson who had come from several hours of dental work and told me his life story starting with growing up in Fredricksburg, VA. And of course, my new Austrian friend, Torsten, who works at the Austrian embassy and truly has become an unexpected delightful new companion! Those are just the people I've really gotten to talk to, but there are so many others.

There are a few bus drivers I now recognize, and each time I get on their buses, I instantly feel happy. I can't quite explain it, but again, in this way also, the metro is quite impersonal. There is no one to greet or to thank for the journey! Tonight in particular, maybe because it was freezing outside. Seeing the S4 come around the corner, knowing it would be warm and bright inside made me giddy. I love the way at night the bus speeds along without stopping at unnecessary stops. There are no tourists on the bus. Certainly not in the northern part of the city where I live, and most locals are not even so comfortable with the bus system.

I got on and was greeted with a familiar smile. He's the driver who usually drives me home after 11 pm. We both know this. The woman across from me who has sat in almost the exact same seat on previous rides recognizes me as well. We are all there together in one moment- familiar strangers. I give honor to our mutual respect and recognition. It somehow matters if only for the short time I'm on the bus that we're both there. I smile into the rearview mirror as I scan for my upcoming street. He does the same. It's comforting, and there's a strange beauty to those moments. The warmth of the bus is somehow partially radiated from his personality. I adore bus drivers who take the time to say hello to their passengers when they first take over the bus and drivers who take the time to tell people to watch their step. All too often we are careless with ourselves and with others, but giving care really takes so little effort. Humanity is in the taking care... or in some cases caring enough to wish others to do the same for themselves. There's a reason "take care" is a form of greeting!

I hurry up my block after telling my friend I'll see him next time, and I know I will! The key turns easily in the door, and my thoughts are now only of slipping silently into my warm and welcoming bed. It's a tremendous thing being alive and being aware of the life we've been given to live as we choose. I am blessed beyond words.

Goodnight- take care, my friends!