From my perch on the edge of the bench, I gazed out into the beautiful countryside

before me. White, puffy clouds glided by in the sky brushing over the gigantic mass of
greenery with it tips stretching into the sky. The wind blew, gently ruffling the leaves, and off
in the distance I heard a cock crowing. Small plants and flowers opened their blossoms
embracing the suns light as it beat down upon the earth. Nearby, I saw cows and sheep
quietly grazing while their young ones happily played. A vehicle only sighted once every ten
minutes. Disrupting the peaceful scenery, I let out an angry huff. I had been waiting at this
bus stop for hours praying for a bloody bus to come. Around me, fellow victims of the
countrys horrid transportation let out similar irritated grumblings.
When dis damn bus gine come though? someone said, followed by a long, loud
stupse.
Dis sun not even cool neither another chimed in.
Luckily, at that same point, the rumbling of the bus approaching suspended all further
grumbles. Everyone ready to be on their way, stuck out their hands to flag down the bus.
Entering the bus, I quickly make my way to a window seat near the back. Exhaling
loudly, I flop down, and then proceed to make myself comfortable for the long ride I know is
ahead. As the bus rattles along, I peer through the window, resuming my perusal of the lovely
rural area. But not ten minutes good into the bus ride, the scenery abruptly changes. Gone are
the numerous trees and colourful, lush vegetation that littered the area. No more grazing
animals and miles of cane fields. In its place were factories and buildings galore. Concrete
and more concrete permeated the landscape. Garbage and waste, the adornments. Even the
sky had changed its colour. A murky gray had overtaken the blue as acrid smoke choke the
suns rays. My eyes bulged, a gasp also elicited from me. Never had the deteriorating state of
my country hit me so hard. Furthermore, this new environment was coming closer,
encroaching upon my beautiful countryside.
As the bus continued along its journey, it encountered increasing traffic. Three, big,
Mac-trucks here, ten mini-buses there, vehicles just everywhere. The buss pace had to slow
to an intermittent crawl. This slow traffic seemed to be the catalyst for the release of peoples
demons.
Why ya dont carry fard ya damn musty car doan nuh and let people pass? a gruff
voice yells.
My head swivels at break-neck pace to look up the street. A burly woman and a bearded
faced man were at it. The woman had gotten out of her and was shouting over to the mans.
Where ya waan me go ya idiot? Shut ya stinking mout and get back in ya car and
wait like errybody else the man angrily shouted back.
I was laughing and cackling as the two proceeded to curse out each other. Similar emotions
were evoked in passersby as they videotaped the scene.
Eventually, it all subsided and the traffic began to move again. Since we were further into
town now, the bus stopped to pick up and drop off passengers. After this one particular pick

up, I felt someone slip into the seat next to me as I was still looking through the window. As
an instinct, I shifted myself slightly away from the person. To my shock and annoyance, I felt
an elbow jab be hard in the side. I whirled around angrily towards the source of my pain.
Surprisingly, I immediately enveloped the person in a hug.
Loony? That you? I asked.
In the flesh, Loony smiled back.
Why the heck did you jab me?
Loony just laughed.
I glared at him.
Ok. Ok, Im sorry, but it was really funny the way you reacted, Loony laughed
again.
I lightly punched him in response and carried on with my hobby of looking through
bus windows.
On my right, we were slowly approaching a massive construction site. It was spread out over
acres and acres of land, nearly the size of a small town.
What could this possibly be? I wondered aloud.
Iz some plant thingy but I ain really know Loony answered, leaning across to
inspect further.
In front of us, a business woman adorned with heavy makeup swivelled around to add to the
conversation.
Yes, its a hydroponic plant. Food will be mass produced there since it can grow
plants without the use of soil.
Nodding in agreement, Loony replied, I heard it over the news and I was greatly
intrigued.
I stared appalled. My neighbours and some of my good friends were farmers. This
would be detrimental to their businesses because the need for them would be largely reduced.
What would they do?
The remainder of the bus ride I sat quietly thinking. Urbanization has some horrible
consequences. Our environment was quickly deteriorating, rural jobs were diminishing, and
the heavy traffic resulted in an abundance of road rage. What did the future hold for us? The
Lord only knew.