Bangkok Bus by Thomas Torheim


Cracked leather seats

bake in Bangkok’s heat.

I’m tossed in an iron oven

the rain’s turned to rust.

Bus bookie passes

making change on his feet,

doors left open,

or perhaps they won’t shut.

A rocking loosens my grip,

swerves my trust,

as the driver pauses only long enough

for a single hot air gust,

his eyes as red as the light ahead of us.

I grab two overhead handles

in case one slips.

Forward motion, no retreat

for the Bangkok minibus.

© 2024 | K.F. Hartless


hey, nothing “The Sink”

14 responses to “Minibus”

  1. A scene from Romancing The Stone comes to mind🚌🌧

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Nice. I think it had a bit of that vibe. Didn’t scare me off, though. Me and the minibus are going to make friends over the next few years.

      Like

  2. I’m sweltering hot from this Bangkok bus.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. you and me both, John. Vinyl seats are way less sexy in 100 degree heat. 🤣

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yikes! And they will burn you too. 🔥

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  3. wonderfully evoked 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, John. It was a relief to move quickly every time the bus stopped. I don’t think I can avoid them, though. By far on the fastest ways to get from A to B around here.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I can feel it, and I don’t want to! 🔥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Tiff. It’s a scorcher today, too. I was that mad American booking down the Main Street with milk today. Probably should have waited for that ferocious sun to settle down a bit first before going shopping.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. We have a grocery store across the street, it is kept at about 60 degrees year round, I go there a few times a day just to cool down! 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Buses are so crowded where I live too. Nice poem, K.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Jay. I’m getting into the bus team here. It’s fast and frightening at first, but the workers are friendly, and boy, does it move!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I feel like I can see it, your imagery is vivid.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Nicole. It’s quite a ride. I’m taking one particular bus frequently as it cuts to my kids school much faster than other routes. I think I’m adjusting to the pace.

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