Two to Three Thousand

We live in the third millennium. Common Era.
Our fortunate fossil fuel finds from the last millennium are still powering us.
In the USA, if you are poor you ride the bus.
You wait in the rain for the bus.
You smoke second-hand smoke.
From people. From highways and trucks and cars.
You wear an oversized overcoat and huddle the best you can.
And twist your head to the left, gazing longingly over your left shoulder.
Your ears try to compete with your eyes.
Will they discern the diesel drone before retinal cells spot the square social sedan?

You wait for the bus to come.
You wait for the bus to drop people off.
At your stop.
And at every stop.
You spend more time, but you have no choice.
At least you outsourced the driving.
Your transporter has the most unhealthy occupation.


They have the technology to build a bus-shelter.
They have the technology to do a lot things.
Alas! The catch is that money determines what gets built.
Technology is not the limitation.

There are plenty of cars for sale from 2000 to 3000.
Some just a little below 2000, and some just above 3000.
Some will be sold by people wanting to buy the newest car.
Others will exchange their trusted old steed, now tottering, for a reliable new car.
These cars will wait under the open sky for new owners for a last ride before the junkyard.

Others sell you a transportation dream.
Of elegant clothes on a fashionable two-wheeler.
In a swanky showroom.
So that you do not have to ride the bus.
All for two to three thousand.