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Old Woman Waiting for a Bus

Old Woman Waiting for a Bus


Half a block away

I spotted the old woman at the bus stop.

She was leaning into the road

At a clear forty-five degree angle,

As though frozen midway

In the act of flinging herself

Under the wheels of a phantom coach.

Her anxious face was pressed towards me,

Unblinking,  her mouth taut,

Oblivious to sharp wind gusts that fretted

The  scarf about her neck

And flapped her coat thickly

Against sturdy legs.

I knew the schedule.

There was not a vehicle due here

For another twenty minutes.

But, still, I glanced over my shoulder.

Of course, there was no bus in sight.

As I walked past her I said nothing.

She seemed … too set apart … sketched …

Like a still life.

Not a muscle twitched in her

Curve of expectancy.

And I thought: What do I know?

Perhaps it will be early after all.


Cynthia Buell Thomas



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Old Woman Waiting for a Bus II ►

Comments

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Cynthia Buell Thomas

Sun 18th Apr 2010 13:58

I have tried to see for myself where the thought of possible suicide enters the picture, and I cannot. It seems the introduction of the idea 'as though ...' slipped completely by. I thought the 'curve of expectancy' and 'perhaps it will be early after all' would scuttle all ideas of self-destruction. Have you never seen persons almost hanging into the street or over the tracks staring intently as though willing the vehicle to come according to their schedule? Same idea, just more extreme.

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jane wilcock

Sat 17th Apr 2010 21:10

Dear Cynthia, thanks for your thoughts. the "denying symbols diffidence" was for me that the old lady presents a conundrum: is she waiting intently, eccentric or poorly balanced, even for the bus or is she hoping to fall in front of the bus? The symbolism of the poem left me in three minds hence I found duplicity in meaning, perhaps uncaring, indifferent,or I felt uncertain and so diffident in meaning. However, in writing the poem you have passed the old lady and been concerned about her, what if she hangs there considering suicide? "Denying the symbols diffidence" was the act of turning back and asking her if she was alright, choosing an approach despite the ambiguity. Thats how I felt about it although I appreciate my view may not be "the best/correct" I am aware that she may or may not be imaginary as well.Thats the love of poetry though isn't it, so many different views and images! Jane

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Isobel

Fri 16th Apr 2010 16:34

Everyone has such different views. I like those last two lines - they are what make it for me. I wouldn't feel the same way reading what Jane suggested. It is those bald thoughts of the observer that take you by surprise.

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jane wilcock

Fri 16th Apr 2010 08:36

This is the version I enjoy the most as it gives me an immediate visual of the old lady. The second one doesn't for me, I lack the empathy. However, i found the " and I thought" line disrupting as I came out of my picture into me/you and so personally I would replace the last two lines with " denying symbols diffidence" which for me would have kept the image but made me think.
I have really enjoyed these though, thanks very much, great reasoning and poetry again. Best,Jane

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Isobel

Thu 15th Apr 2010 13:26

Yes - the ending is very wry. I smiled even though I knew I possibly shouldn't. Does that constitute black humour or are we not allowed to call it that anymore?If I were to look at the poem in a more serious light, I would say that it could be about the right of every individual to determine their own life. Or it could be a reflection on how certain of us switch off to external tragedy - the fear of getting involved and connecting. Or maybe it isn't about the ending of a life at all - just the dangerous things people do when stressed and waiting for a bus...
I love the way you leave it open to interpretation and are able to handle a potentially serious poem with such a light hand.

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Andy N

Thu 15th Apr 2010 08:15

love the ending Cynthia.. bit of a change for you i felt.. i will ask you a few questions next time i see you however.

one quick thing too - shouldn't 'I spotted the old woman at the bus stop' be 'i spotted a old woman at the bus stop'????

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kealan coady

Wed 14th Apr 2010 18:37

Really good theme, tension is powerful and clear, there is an air of uncertainty stamped on this one which makes an interesting narrative.

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Antony Owen

Wed 14th Apr 2010 15:58

i hope there are people as nice as you when I'm this old person in the poem :)

Your admiration for these 'mature adults' is clear and fair play 2u

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