LEAVING THE HOUSE

I look at my watch;
It’s time to go
If I’m going to catch my bus.
I have to walk six blocks or so.

In my mind I plan my time
To be sure not to miss it.
Fifteen minutes for the walk
Will get me where I wait for it.

But the highway where I cross
Has no traffic light
So add another 5 minutes.
If the cars I have to fight.

Twenty minutes is time enough
To get to where I wait.
But I know from experience
What can make me late.

I‘m always forgetting something
That makes me go back.
I pat my pockets down
But then leave an important sack.

Sometimes I remember it
As I go out the door
But usually I am a block away,
If not even more.

Then I weigh the consequences
Of not having what I forgot.
Sometimes I return to get it,
And sometimes not.

Well finally I get to the bus stop
With plenty of time to wait.
And then, what do you bet
It will be several minutes late.

jhs