WAITIN' FOR THE BUS ON THE FOURTH OF JULY

My son lived in the Uptown area of Minneapolis a few years ago, before he moved to NY and a job with PBS. He inspired this poem, which I'm posting for Susan Budig (I greatly admire her work), who posted a video of her poem on youtube this morning, Corner of Juniper and Fourth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql3QqiURP9M

WAITIN' FOR THE BUS ON THE FOURTH OF JULY

So I'm waitin' for the bus at 4th & 28th
and this crazy dude rides up
on this crappy bike with one worthless gear,
prob'ly swiped from somebody's yard,
starts talkin' to me like we was acquaintances
but I never seen him before in my life.
He's tellin' me how his rent is due
and he's forty dollars short
so he tries sellin' his blood only they won't take it.
Then he shows me his arms,
all crusty with needle marks and oozy cuts.
His eyes is red and watery, face all puffy
an' he's hoppin' mad, shoutin' and flappin' around
like a real looney fool.
Finally he figures he'll try to sell his blood downtown,
says they're not as particular, and I'm like, right man . . .

Comments: 12

Sherrie H. Oct 25, 2009, 1:08pm EDT

This is great, Marianne. It's so vivid and earthy. I can see it all perfectly in my mind . I almost backed away from the computer as I read, wanting to keep my distance.

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William Dotani Oct 25, 2009, 1:13pm EDT

The reality of your verse imagery makes this a sad but enjoyable read.

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Susan Budig Oct 25, 2009, 1:25pm EDT

Wow. I loved this. This, to me, is near perfect poetry. Have you read James Wright's poem: Hook? I've tried emulating his poem(try) many times.

Marianne M. Oct 25, 2009, 1:41pm EDT

I was not familiar with James Wright ... thanks for the link, Susan. It was fascinating to read about him. What a talented man (we live just a few blocks from Macalester College ... I guess it was the U of M's loss). I'm excited to read more of his poetry!