When I was pregnant, riding buses day and night,
To get a seat, I’d sometimes push with all my might.
Those were the days I’d leave work feeling tight,
Feeling drained, as if I’d fought a fight.
So, from those days, one truth took root —
To be polite is life’s best fruit.
I taught my boys to, both black and white,
Show respect and do what’s right.
If they are on a bus and someone’s in need,
They should give up their seat- do a good deed.
They are to always:
Give it up without deliberating,
Give it up with speed — no hesitating,
Give it up, with no parent supervising,
Give it up — that’s civilizing!
One morning, we boarded a bus, just me and my son,
We found a seat — oh, what fun!
Then came an elder, petite and neat,
With shaky hands and trembling feet.
You could tell she ate her hard food and meat,
Her mouth still boasted quite a few teeth!
The moment she came on, I gave my boy the look,
He stood up quickly — just like I’d taught from the book.
The lady smiled, “Thank you, son, you’re so sweet,”
And my heart sang loud — what a lovely feat!
I said to her, “Thanks — that’s my boy indeed!”
I was even tempted to boast that I’d planted that very seed.
He gave up his spot and was on his feet,
Then I told him softly, “Come, make my lap your seat.”
But he stood still, and gave me a stare,
As if to say, “Mom, that’s not fair!”
He finally took the offer but was too quiet, looking down at his lap,
Till I thought he’d fallen asleep — perhaps!
But when he looked up, my jaw went slack,
His words hit me like a sudden smack.
He said, “Mom… sitting on your lap’s embarrassing,”
And right away, two ‘bus neighbors’ started laughing!
I chuckled too, though just pretending —
Inside, I felt my pride descending.
I couldn’t believe my “baby” had me burning,
But soon I saw the tide was turning.
My little boy — my once-small thing,
Was spreading his feathers, maturing, learning.
It was time to change how I show my loving,
For my boy was no longer my tiny something.
Yes, I taught him to give — to be kind, polite,
And that day proved — I taught him right.
