School Bus Transportation News at STN Media

A Typical Day

By George F. Horne

May 30, 1991

I came to the end of a typical day.
I thought, "It all went well,"
As I reclined at last in my easy chair
To meditate for a spell.

Before the dawn my day began.
I arose and spoke to God:
"Please help me concentrate today...
No daydreams - not even one nod.

"Keep my hand ever steady,
My mind, sharp, alert;
A nice disposition,
No feelings to hurt.

"From my pre-trip inspection
To my very last run,
Give me patience and wisdom.
Let my job be done well."

I checked then my school bus from front end to back;
Pulled out the yard with a sigh.
No problems...it started...everything went well.
If it hadn't, I think I would die!

I picked up my students on trip number one;
Greeted each with a smile at the door;
Drove through mazes of traffic; dodged tree limbs and holes;
Remained calm through a heavy downpour.

But just before reaching the very last school,
Something happened that hardly seemed right:
A senior stood up on a seat near the rear
And mooned everyone in his sight!

The next trip was easy, with only one hitch:
A kid brought a pet snake on beard.
It slithered its way to the back of my seat,
And my, how the students all boared!

The rest of my day was routine enough-
Filled out some reports; changed the oil;
Took a class to the zoo; stopped at Wendy's for lunch;
Met some drivers to plan a crab boil.

We sat in my bus at our first P.M. school
And decided what changes to make:
"No more mileage sheets, rosters, trip sheets and such.
We'll demand this for each driver's sake."

At last came the kids-middle school...junior high...
It's hard to tell when they run-
But Rocky jabbed Joe with a pencil, and then
The kids gathered round for some fun.

I jumped between 'em to break up the fight.
I hoped they'd be scared of me; then,
The Principal yelled, "Driver, get back on your bus!
Write it up! Document! Turn it in!"

God, the prayer that I uttered before I cranked up
Was not nearly enough for this day!
I could hardly keep calm when the Principal yelled,
But I knew likely she'd get her way.

Like a well-trained professional, proven and true,
I took it in stride one more time.
I started the engine, put the bus into gear
And drove from "the scene of the crime."

With everyone home safe and sound for the night,
I checked my bus over for books,
Pairs of glasses and weapons and love notes, alike;
Cleaned out all the corners and nooks.

"Do I need a brake!" I quietly exclaimed'
"Feet up, a cold drink, then a shower...
Oh no! I forgot! C.D.L. class again,
And it starts in less than an hour!"

"If I miss it, I might fail the test at Troop B;
But I'd sure like to stay home and rest.
Duty calls, so I'll head out again in a while.
(I surely hate to get dressed!)"

Home again! I got tested ten times in one night!
Do they really expect me to learn
About air brakes and wig wags and all of that stuff?
Is it all worth the salary I earn?

I mused, "Some jobs can't be measured by the money I make...
Compensation is not always green."
If you've ever carried a bus load of kids,
You'll surely know just what I mean.