“Bus Stop” published at LatinosUSA

On By Mike U.In Poetry

Hello, folks. I’d like to let you know my poem “Bus Stop” is now available to read at LatinosUSA. Much gratitude goes to esteemed editor Michelle Navajas for sharing this poem with all of you. Sincerely appreciated, Michelle.

“Bus Stop”
© 2025 by Michael L. Utley

she stood there
stoic and still
as a river rock cairn
at the crossroads
bus stop
every afternoon
alone
save for her
reluctant shadow
that always seemed
to pull away from her
clawing at the gravel
to unpin itself from this
dirty-faced girl
with willow whip arms
and a mangled knot
of corn silk hair…

You can read the rest of my poem here:

“Bus Stop” by Michael L. Utley

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24 thoughts on ““Bus Stop” published at LatinosUSA”

  3. Mike, this piece is profoundly moving—it’s difficult to make it through even the first part without tears, much less the entire work. The vivid imagery in each line invites the reader to anticipate what new wave of emotion each verse will evoke.

    “reluctant shadow
    that always seemed
    to pull away from her
    clawing at the gravel
    to unpin itself from this
    dirty-faced girl“

    These lines stirred a flood of memories for me—standing in the bus line as a child, anxiety twisting in my stomach as I wondered what I would face at home. I vividly recall those confusing times when sudden moves uprooted us, and our parents never accompanied us to school. I often questioned whether I would recognize the right bus or even be able to identify our new living space.

    Michelle, thank you for sharing this extraordinary piece. Mike’s writing resonates with me on such a deep level. There are so many parallels in our experiences, and I believe it is because we have an immense shared sensitivity.  

    Mike, I was truly moved by the way you ended this piece. It felt as though you were observing yourself from a distance, ultimately reaching out to offer comfort and reassurance. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Love and blessings,

    Joni

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    1. Thank you, Joni. It’s such a bleak poem, and deliberately so. The dark side of humanity was forced upon me as a child and it’s held a strange fascination with me ever since. Perhaps I’m still working my way through a lot of things.

      I recall an old b&w photo of my mom when she was a small child. The girl in this poem is based on that photo of my mom, as well as a few other memories. She was an invisible person, too. And while this is certainly about those people who fall by the wayside and are forgotten and neglected, there’s more to this piece. I felt like it’s also about making peace with our own mortality, as the little girl sort of represents death, the ending of all things. She’s a reminder that humanity is broken and darkness hides in our souls. She’s a totem of judgment, standing there barely visible beyond the veil, watching us with her pallid, marbled eyes. And people pretend she’s not there as they make their way through their lives like the children and adults in this poem. At the end, the narrator “recognizes” her for what she is–a sort of harbinger of his own mortality–and he finally accepts his fate as the world ends.

      It’s definitely steeped in horror symbolism. Blame my youth spent reading horror novels for that, I suppose, but I thoroughly enjoyed writing this one, and it’s one of my personal favorites.

      I always appreciate your in-depth analyses of my writing. I really look forward to your comments, for sure. I’m so glad you enjoyed this one.

      All the best to you and Scott. 😊

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      1. Dear Mike,

        We never have to apologize for our heart and soul’s pain. Our words are our flight – or story and in this case it sounds like I read you pretty well. We are reflections of our parents and that first few years when our personality is cemented. We are fortunate to have broken the cycle and we don’t do what was done to us. There is only so much that therapy can do. Your writing of this beautiful piece made me think of something I had not thought of in years. I have a photo of my mom in overalls somewhere she looks like she could be around 15 and the sad look on her face is heartbreaking to me. Without therapy or any means of help from the abuse and isolation she suffered she was ridiculed and teased horribly at school.

        I a sending you gratitude for always writing your truth, which helps me as a person who grew up in a crazy world as well. I feel less alone knowing that others who have done so much to regain trust and other things which I consider flaws in my personality, I just don’t see those ever going away.

        Your kind heart is enough, Mike and your poetry is stunning as always. Best to you from the both of us.

        Liked by 2 people

  10. Congratulations Mike! A heartbreaking yet beautiful poem. The imagery lets us see the waiting girl and empathize with her. And I love that old man recognizes her finally. Touches the soul!

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