Poetry by Hariana Chilstrom

Sometimes writing inspiration is just a bus ride away. Thanks to Hariana Chilstrom for letting me share this thought-provoking piece. Like a bus, it starts in one place and takes us somewhere else.

Misanthropy Rides the Bus

by Hariana Chilstrom

Riding on the #14 bus

On my way home,

Chewing on my thoughts

About loud, smelly, pushy people,

My eyes suddenly closed.

And, like a big friendly black and tan dog

A question wandered into my mind:

“I wonder if I could love everyone on this bus?”

Well, I didn’t get an answer

But the question sure was interesting.

It opened up a space
I didn’t know was there.

It was like finding a hidden room

Empty and unused

In a house I thought I knew well.

Maybe I won’t rush to fill it,

With homilies and affirmations

But wait

To see what comes

To see what shows up

To see what 

Honestly wants to be there.

About the author: Hariana Chilstrom is a science educator and visual artist who is passionate about pollinators and other (mostly spineless) creatures. She has written for the Pacific Horticulture Journal, several natural history associations, and the Seattle Aquarium. Many of her current creative non-fiction pieces have been spawned by experiences on city buses.