Page 67 - 1956

THE BUS RIDE---- L. Dent XIIB
Each morning at exaet~y 8.30 the bus is scheduled to arrive at Creemore•s main intersection. At this time forty somewhat sleepy-eyed students wait for the school bus. Yet sometimes as they \~ait, their patience is very sorely tried and their eyes water as they watch expectantly for the vehicle which finally crawls along, twenty to thirty minutes late.
The exasperated crowd climbs aboard and the 11lumberwagon11 as it is lovingly called, turns its slightly bent and scarred nose towards Collingwood, assailing a road that would shake loose the toughest teeth and fray the steadiest nerves. It has been said that the road has been left in this condition by Simcoe County out of resnect for the pioneers who first surveyed it.
As they travel this primeval trail the vehicle shudders and bounces over the blimps although this is no fault of the hard-working driver who, in missing one hole, inevitably hits the next. It is usually necessary owing to the
size of the bus, for the students to sit three in a seat but more often the rocky journey jolts the unlucky occupant of the third position in the seat onto the floor or, happily, into a more comfortable position. Unfortunately comfort is a scarce commodity as one is jarred from side to side.
However it is a very refreshing ride because there are so many cracks along the edge of the door that the cold air is circulated around and keeps one awake, even if the agitation doesn't.
Another characteristic of the ride is the continual buzz of conversation as all the students are talking at the same time in as many as three different languages. The mixtures of Latin verbs and French prepositions mingled with the predominant English pronouns could be compared to the cos~opolitan
jabber in a city railway station.
But the most amazing thing of all is that the driver sits at the front of his machine and listens to this one and a half hours a day, five days a week without going stark, staring mad.
Providing the bus doesn't find a mudhole that is too much for its horsepower or try to take a shortcut through a snowdrift or get into a violent argument with another vehicle on the road, the exuberant load daily reaches it~ destination and is soon dispersed through the classrooms.
Can't remember the date. The street sign is off the
corner.
Dear Moron,
I sat down,my pencil in my hand, to typewrite you a letter.
Please pardon the ink,Idon't live where I used to because I moved to where I live now. When you come to see me ask anyone where I live as noone knows.
I am sorry we are further together but I wish we were closer apart. My aunt nearly did die but she is doing very nicely. I hope you are the same. My cousin has the mumps and is having a swell time of it. She is near death's door and the doctor is trying to pull her through.
We are having more weather this year than last. t sent your coat by express and I cut off the buttons to make it lighter. If you want them they are in the pockets. I started to Toronto the other day to see you and when I saw this sign which read "This will take you to Toronto",
I got on and sat there for two hours and I didn't move an inch.
In case you didn't get this letter let me know and I•ll send it to you. In this letter there is a picture of me,for fear of losing it I took it out. I hQpe you llke it.
Don't you think its colder in the winter than in the city?
I forgot to enclose the money I owe you but I sealed the envelope before I remembered.
Lovingly yours, Another Moron.