DC Metrobus Sonnets

The bus, for me, is a sacred space, a shared liturgy with my fellow city dwellers. Her cost-effective fare and far-reaching web of bus lines that enable me to access even the most remote areas of town, not only bring me great personal satisfaction, but also a sense of grounding me to the heart of my city. To choose to ride the bus, is to choose to slow down, to sit by your neighbor, to take a moment and exist together. 

One never knows what experience is waiting for you on the bus. Each line has a different personality, brought to life by her ridership, her route, the uniqueness of the day. 

Inspired by all of this, I have committed myself to exploring each individual bus line in DC, and writing stream-of-conscious poetry sparked by my experiences. These poems will be curated into a collection (working title “The DC Metrobus Sonnets) representing each DC quadrant which will consequently be set to music and performed as an art song cycle.

Check out an first draft poem below:

96 Eastbound

The bus is empty. At least almost.

I make up 1/4 of a small handful of thrifty millennials on their way to weekend plans. Outside plans. 

Outside the sun shines bright and warm, but it’s delicious in the shade. Fall’s arrival a new flavor in the air. And in the energy. 

I look out and into a car below

At a curly headed passenger sharing full belly laughs.

Happy people crowd the sidewalks. Autumnal smiles on their lips. We share the same secret. 

Fall is around the corner and the bus is empty… almost.