The Electric Bus. Auckland, New Zealand. 1973.

Here’s the electric bus.

I get on at the top of Parnell Road, across

from the old church on St. Stephen’s Ave.

When the driver takes off, it’s like being in  a

Pinball machine as you careen up the aisle past

the horrified faces of people already seated

and hanging on for dear life. 

You can end up on someone’s lap, your  backside,

an empty seat, or if you’re very unlucky, way  at

the back flat on your face.

You have to pull the cord for your stop and hope

the driver’s already had enough fun for the  day.

Sometimes the booms clatter off the overhead  cable

and you stop dead in the middle of  the street.    

Many passengers escape during this bit of luck