“Bus Stop Koan” by Brice Maiurro

Editor’s Note: For mobile users, this poem is best read with your phone held horizontally.

I sat one day, impatiently waiting for the bus. There
was snow everywhere, and the bus stop was empty
except for one man with a long beard, bundled up
heavily. I made eye contact with him and he in return
with me, though neither of us spoke a word to one
another. Taking a seat beside him, I looked out at the
streets and buildings, all drowned out in white snow.
There was a silence between us when the man began
to very loudly say “Ring ring! Ring ring!” then again
silence. I thought of this as a one-time thing, until
several minutes later when the man again said “Ring
ring! Ring ring!” I looked at him to assess his well-being
but said nothing. Again – “Ring ring! Ring ring! Ring ring!
Ring ring!” He sounded as if he was imitating a
telephone – “Ring ring! Ring ring!” “Hello?” I said.
“Oh, hello,” he said smiling, “how are you today?”

About Brice Maiurro
He/Him/His

Brice Maiurro is a poet from Earth. He is the author of Stupid Flowers and Hero Victim Villain. His poetry has been featured by The Denver Post, Tilt West, Boulder Weekly, Suspect Press and Birdy Magazine. He is the Founding Editor of South Broadway Press. In 2019, Westword Magazine recognized him as a Colorado Creative for his contributions to the Colorado Arts Community. You can find more about him at www.maiurro.co.

Photo courtesy of J. Mark Tebben (@jmarktebben)