I walked on the Greyhound bus in London, Ontario
Thinking about how this year I sure wouldn’t see much snow.
I felt as happy as a kid opening up presents on Christmas day
Yet scared like I did at fourteen when our family moved away.
I thought, British Columbia is like thirty some-odd hours away
Took my seat knowing I’d be sitting for the better part of three days.
We went through town after town stopping at fast food joints every now and then
I quickly saw why country singer Kenny Chesney calls the road a friend.
I watched a man get kicked off the bus because he smelt so bad
As the bus drove away I looked back at him and I felt kinda sad.
Every so often an uncapped pop bottle would hit the floor
At night especially someone would always snore.
Going through Alberta I saw wheat fields for miles
Once in BC I saw snow-covered mountains and I couldn’t help but smile
When the bus was ten hours from Vancouver the end of a long ride was in sight
I thought, this seat will be my bed for just one more night
Five thirty a.m. on November sixteenth I was groggy eyed and scared
When the bus driver announced over the P.A. that we were there.
I couldn’t wait to shave and grab a nice long hot shower
When I find a bed, I thought, I’m gonna sleep for hours.
As I walked toward the downtown east side
What I saw made me wanna run and hide
People were selling everything openly from meth to crack
I swear I almost thought about heading back.
I walked further and women were on corners doing their hookin’
Crack dealers constantly asked me “Are you lookin’”
Homeless people were in sleeping bags on the side walk
Some asked for a light so they could smoke their rock
I heard Van was such a beautiful city
At least the downtown east side sure ain’t that pretty
One month later and here I am now in Victoria, BC
I escaped the war zone in Van but the things I saw will forever change me
I look around Vic and I see cowboy boots and cowboy hats
I know in my heart this is the place I should be at
I see all the water and lights galore
No longer do I want to leave like I did before.
I won’t get to see my family for Christmas this year
It’s just the price I have to pay for moving here
I won’t see much snow, certainly not two feet
I sure have seen a different world since I took my Greyhound seat.
-Len Sterling
