The Short Bus

“The Short Bus” was a way to speak of “Those people” who needed special assistance in school.  They made odd noises, often did not talk, some drooled, others wore helmets.  They were always a bit intimidating to me because I did not know what to say, so I would pretend to not see the people who rode the short bus.  And now I ride the short bus.  I ride a bus that takes me from door to door anywhere in town.  And in the course of the ride, I am with people who have always made me uncomfortable.  Sometimes I think about how I could be in a similar place of disability.  And sometimes I just hope I won’t have to make eye contact.  And occasionally I take the time to wonder about the hearts and lives on the short bus.