the bus conversation

This one started off as I think they usually do—with a total jerkoff raging about being on the wrong bus and how it must be because the driver doesn't speak english, everyone is against him, and now he's going to be late for work.

Having had a lot of experience with people who like to rant and rave and assume that everyone around them would and should be on their side ranting with them, i've learned that the best thing to do is turn up the volume on my iPod or roll my eyes and ignore them. It's best to not engage since then you get roped into their madness and now YOU must have an answer to their problem.

The bus conversation begins as soon as said a--hole gets off the bus (thankfully) to wander the streets aimless and lost. Then, someone says out loud what everyone else is thinking and before you know it, the isolated mini-zones of the bus's private space have turned into an open living room of discussion. People side with the driver, they agree with each other, laugh, nod, correct and reiterate parts of the story, add their own observations... Then there's always the one person who sees they have an audience and has to keep it going. There are, after all, a lot of lonely people who just want to have a conversation with someone and this is the best reason to start one.

Eventually, it dwindles, soon after having to explain the situation to too many new arrivals and absolutely after the main talker (the conversationalist) exits the bus. A constant turnover. Nothing ever lasts very long.