Matatu Poem by MOGAMBI PETER ANGWENYI

In masses, they roam for passengers,
Some vans already filled,
Pull and push for customers,
Is on the tail end.

The van hoots, squeals, clunks and roars,
Like a lion in hunger,
Men, women, and kids take their seats,
I too rush in, what a quagmire!

I can feel the pressure,
Mounted on us the toppling load,
On top of the van like a roller
Surfacing a road, like nuts in a bag, fellows crumbled.

The tout signals,
To pick some more,
I watch, they wig and warrants these flints,
Some sleepy and some on their smartphones glued,

From funny misemos
That are casually spotted on women shukas,
matatus have their own hilarious punchlines,
Like in this one, ' kulia na kucheka zote ni kelele, ' the sticker reads.

Finally, the van tiptoes to the stage,
I want to slide out with rage,
At least for now, wash my hands like pirate,
Surprising, more than 'FOURTEEN' fellows alight!

Having lost as a nation,
With this dubious revelation,
A vehicle meant for ten,
Now ferrying twenty four.

I walk away winking,
My eyes on the passengers' grumbling,
Least they and forget and to the trap they fall,
They have contributed to this frail.