We stop in downtown Berkeley, and the car
is overrun by youngsters out of school.
Invaders of the quiet – that they are –
who tripping to the field obey the rule
of buddies and the principal request:
“You guys, we stay together – sit down there.”
And I, a regular, feel like a guest,
while they enthuse and use up all the air.

But look at them: they could behave much worse
than this; for while they ratchet up the noise,
their faces show they’re happy, fed and clean.
Their glee’s sincere and modifies the curse
of dull commuting – laughing girls and boys
invade our stress and animate our scene.