On an African Train

 

 

Far from Australia

I have suddenly discovered

Something glorious and homely

Symbolic and ordinary

Through a train window

In Zambia

To remind me of home

 

But as well I have found

People who are fascinated

When I point it out

Europeans for whom it is

A thing of romance

Read about, dreamed of

And never seen before

 

And they are gripped

By my stories

Of sharp cold clear nights

In the Wimmera

Or the dimmer glimpses

From the front yard at home

Where even the bright pall

Of city electricity

Cannot hide its design

 

The Southern Cross

And friends to share it with