Poem for the Ride Home by Kayla McAuliffe

Poem for the Ride Home

by Kayla McAuliffe

I am sitting one seat back

feigning sleep and straining

to hear above the bus's constant rumble

you - sing

silent night, holy night

This is not a love poem.

You are the shining armor type. and

I have never needed a hero

(silent night)

like Amy does.

I noticed she laid her head on your shoulder,

but sat back up when we stopped

to turn on the heat.

(all is calm)

I sigh, lean back in my chair.

This is not a love poem;

I will not think of you tonight.

I bury my head in your pillow, but

through its stuffing,

and above the rattle of the bus,

and the road,

and the hum of my muddled thoughts,

you sing

silent night, holy night

sleep in heavenly

peace.