TODAY’S LAMENT: Kids in Bradford have already been in school for
a week, but today’s poem, “Lament of a School Bus Driver,” seems
appropriate for this time of the year when students across the
region are heading back to the classroom.
The poem was written by Eleanor J. Hand, a former resident of
Eldred who is now a resident of Sena-Kean Manor, Smethport. By the
sounds of it, Eleanor knows of what she writes.
Here’s goes:
So you’ve driven a school bus, these many long years,
Listened to problems, witnessed some tears.
You’ve helped little tots find their way to the door,
Encouraged some others from eight until four.
The first of the term found smiles and nice ways,
With new shoes and new dresses, with flowers so gay.
Your tasks were not easy, your burdens were many.
All days were not pleasant and some were quite funny.
When boys broke their zippers and girls lost their britches,
Shoes lost a lacing and hats went a-flying.
Compassion was needed and caring was, too,
When some were left hungry and some had the flu.
Your patience was endless, your nerves made of steel,
With work never-ending, concern was quite real.
At the last of the term was a time of good cheer,
For all the kids knew, it was the end of the year.
The screaming was loudest, the crying heartbreaking,
Lost mittens piled up and glasses were breaking.
At Christmas you had some goodies for all,
Oranges and candy and the kids had a ball.
You must watch the traffic, the people and stoplights,
Find books and lost boots and referee fights.
The teacher’s decision for show and tell days,
Did not have a “clause” saying how you’d have to pay.
This poem could go on with line after line,
The story of stress of chaos and strife,
But I’ll end it right now, and tell you no more
Of the troubles and problems of a bus driver’s life.
LABOR DAY: You will have your paper tomorrow because Era
employees – reporters, editors, photographers, press men, drivers,
paper boys and paper girls – were on the job Labor Day. Our thanks
to them and all those working today.
