How Long is Too Long to Wait for a Late Bus?

How long is too long 

to wait for a late bus?

I’m not sure.

I got to the station 

five minutes early.

Now, forty five minutes later,

I’m so aware of the balls of my feet,

of the sun scalding my scalp

that my fingers can’t help it, 

they’re picking in nervousness. 

How long is too long

to wait for a late bus? 

Half of the station has given up…

Something impressive about me

is my knack for fitting twenty thoughts 

inside every breath.

With every inhale 

Is there traffic today?

At this time of day on a sunday?

Did the bus break down?

Is the line even running?

What if it came early? 

What if I missed it already? 

Am I standing here for nothing?

Where do I go from here? 

With every exhale

What the fuck.

I should leave.

That seems logical.

It’s been an hour now,

any longer is absolutely foolish.

How long is too long 

to wait for a late bus? 

I might have crossed 

that threshold. 

I feel foolish.

I really do. 

But there’s this pesky thought

that is keeping my feet

firmly cemented 

to this bus station. 

The question, 

the possibility 

a blind hope 

and the blind fear 

Of the bus arriving just as I leave. 

So let me ask you,

Is three hours too long

To wait for a late bus?