From Beira to Salisbury
Some say it was full
Others say it wasn’t
But the train still made it
To its destination, Salisbury,
Now called Harare.

What happened to the passengers,
Those who bought tickets?
I saw women with children
Wandering about at the station,
Old people staggering, luggage at hand,
Awaiting official announcements,
Young people hustling at enquiries
Trying to check the departure time;
But the train had gone halfway on its journey.

Those on the waiting list
Got seats to Salisbury.
Who else took the booked ones?
It was discovered in Harare:
No tickets, no passports:
Crooks in the waiting room
Really made it there.