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
