Josie Whitehead’s Poems
TO THE OKANAGAN ON THE GREYHOUND BUS
By Josie Whitehead
I went to Canada all by myself when I was much younger. I'd seen a film about The Rockies and thought:
"Oh to see this beautiful place." A week on the ship with other young people to Montreal. No room to stay!
Train to Toronto. Then 3 days and nights on the Canadian Pacific to Vancouver. Yes, the Rockies were well
worth seeing. It was very hard to get work but I did a variety of work and learned to stand on my own two
feet. This poem is about a return trip years later, with a husband this time, and we went from Vancouver to
the Okanagan Valley on the Greyhound bus.
I've a bright shiny exterior, my door's automatic.
I'm a good little runner, in no way dogmatic.
There's folks aboard me who're just having a lark -
But you won't hear me growl - or you'll not hear me bark.
I'm a Greyhound, 'tis true, but I'm not a road-hog.
Though my real name is Greyhound, I'm not really a dog.
I'm very well satisfied with the life that I lead,
Cruising along at a comfortable speed.
I see mountains and chasms and peaks soaring high.
I hear folks saying "Hi there" and others "Good-bye".
I follow the course of sea green coloured streams;
I see beauty that for some folk can only be dreams.
Look! The salmon leap high in the rivers so fast,
But sadly I think that their journey's their last.
There's a bear over there ransacking a bin.
I hope he strikes lucky and finds a good tin.
Now we're suddenly crossing a very deep creek
Catch your breath, please don't faint, and try not to shriek.
I'm perfectly sure that we're all really safe;
Just hold on to your seats and have lots of faith.
Are you frightened of grizzlies? There's one over there.
Just look at his size! He's a very large bear!
The movie’s now on but it might be a bore.
Yes, the man at the back has started to snore.
See that kid with his Mum - don't you think he looks cute? -
Though not when he's kicking my seat with his boot.
My driver's a real nice guy - he's now in his glory -
Entertaining us all with an interesting story.
The Okanagan Valley - we're on the last lap -
Just one more stop for an old lumberjack.
It's fruit-growing country - fruit trees all about.
It's not far to go, then you all can get out.
It's been a good journey through mountains and snow
Here's the fruit-growing country - just look at this show!
All the blossom is out - oh it sure is so grand!
Here's where you alight - we're in Summerland.
Copyright 2006