This evening, I boarded a London bus whose driver was deeply sombre and morose. I thought back to this delightful soul whom we encountered a few years back, and thought I’d share the story with you again:
“I’ve never really thought of a red London bus as a chariot. But that’s exactly what we travelled in yesterday. Our bus driver told us so. Well, actually, he sang it so.
Travelling back from Greenwich to our home yesterday, our bus driver sang “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” at the top of his lungs, with all his heart and to the joy, horror and entertainment of his travelling charges. Some cynical commuters wondered if he was p***ed drunk, some didn’t notice, some smiled coyly and two people alighted earlier than planned.
The self-confessed “drunken bum” next to my niece and me was endlessly entertained. The proud owner of approximately two teeth, he chattered constantly and laughed like a drain. If he could stand up, he’d have been a stand-up comedian. But his seated banter broadened our smiles all the way home, and the driver’s singing warmed my heart.
“He’s quite religious, I think. He’s trying to save you. Not me; I’m just a drunken bum. But he thinks he can save you. I don’t think he can, but that’s what he’s trying to do,” our toothless neighbour offered.
Thank you, Mr Bus Driver, for keeping my joy alive yesterday with your delight-filled noise and for carrying us home in style. Keep singing and may your musical dreams find their chance to break out of that dreary uniform; you never know who may be listening.”
Sunshine signing off for today.
Sunshine in London 
Well now he — and you — have given ME a smile on a snowy day in New York.
Thank you! How lovely to hear from you – hope you’re keeping warm over there
Sunshine
Snow day! My office is closed, so for the first time in a while, I’ve had a chance to both post and read! And be nice and snug inside with a mug of tea and even crumpets with jam, if you can believe it!
That sounds like the perfect way to spend a snow day!
Ah, sweet! Reminded me of the day I left London to come back home. I was crying and feeling sad about leaving but the driver sang ‘There Can Be Miracles’ over the intercom the whole drive to the station which just made me laugh 🙂
That’s just perfect – just what you needed. We need more bus drivers like them, hey?
Sunshine x
Lovely to see you again and so enjoyed reading about your entertaining bus ride. No matter what anyone says, I just love those red London buses and hope I find myself on one with a singing driver sometime.
Thank you, Africadayz! The red London buses are great – except when you’re standing in the rain waiting for one to arrive! A singing – or even just a cheerful – driver certainly makes a difference!
Sunshine