Las Cruces Greyhound
	11-28-08

    by Terry Blanchard

Near truck sales and tire warehouse
convenience store closed
before my bus arrives.
Four hours waiting and why
I didn't take a bus downtown
to spend that time
this entry only justifies.
I approach a woman sitting alone
at a fiberglass row of chairs
chain-smokes to fill the bucket
at her feet.  Eyeballs dart around quick.
"Are you catching the bus at nine?"
She stares down and laughs.
OK, I say and slowly I back away
where's that damned bus? 
The strobing store light
animates her pulled down cap
she's bobbing with the laugh
echoed in a metal bucket
soon sitting somewhere 
	on my north bound bus yet
I dare not stare.