strange women approach me

strange women approach me on the bus
wanting to know my business
they're subtle
asking for directions
asking for a cigarette

don't they know you can't smoke on the bus?

might be social workers
might be ladies of the night
might all be a honey trap
you never know
when you're riding on the bus

that's why I just say no
keep staring ahead into the distance
watching the streets go by
and the people dancing

murals, coffee shops, hair-braiding salons
and days go by

you see women on the bus 
you think you recognize
you might want to talk to

or exotic women in rain ponchos
displaying Chinese character for "the way"
(in Japanese 'michi')

when you get a bit closer
you see it's just some football loge
you feel foolish for having asked
"why are you wearing 'michi' on your poncho?"

these women must all think you're nuts

that's why I just say no to myself
when I get the impulse
to talk to strangers

keep staring ahead in the distance

watching the streets go by

--Ross Bender