On the 4th July 1829 the first London bus “omnibus”, operated by George Shillibeer, began service between Marylebone Road and Bank Junction, coming as I do from Bonnyrigg I have chosen a poem about Edinburgh buses.

I like tae sit at the front of the bus

and keek through the hole

As he pulls on the wheel

and gives the odd cuss

he disnae ken I’m there.

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You can see the hale world fae the tap of a bus:

turbans and burkas, saris wi cardis,

kilts wi Doc Martens,

spiky-haired Goths,

Hoodies and Neds in Burberry caps,

Morningside ladies in sensible hats.

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Traffic wardens, grey as sharks

with fluorescent stripes, circle

ready tae strike.

The blind man’s dug sits obedient at the kerb,

his flesh flabby.

I’d gie him a guid run.

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We stop-start, shoogled aboot in our seats

by traffic cones, road-works,

jaywalkers and drunks.

Crash go the branches

as we lean intae a corner.

Haud tight! Ting! Ting!

We fa doon the stairs.

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By Stephanie Green

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