I Saw Him On A City Bus Poem by Marlin Nightingale

I thought I knew this man,
I saw him on a city bus,
One row betwixt the two of us,
Hat pulled down; distinctive frown,
No want of talk or need to fuss,
And I began to plan.

What words should I relate?
I dare not rush this man to speech!
Uncurteous, push him out of reach!
Observe him? Or would that unnerve him?
Caution has a lot to teach.
And still I hesitate.

I raise my eyes to look.
Gaze meeting gaze creates a sense,
My throat constricts; my feelings tense!
A smile I make, hoping to break,
This wall, this so-called social fence!
He slowly lowers his book.

'G'day sir! ' spoke my mouth and grinning face,
'None of your time do I have care to waste!
Yet still, my thoughts I'd like to share,
If you have ears to hear and time to spare!