Night Plane to Johannesburg

Added: 10 Jul 2008

This is the Night Plane leaving the gate, We’re all aboard but one hour late, Carrying the rich; carrying the poor, “Please note your nearest emergency door”. Up to the runway with a constant whine; My headphones are on, so I’m just fine. Turn from the apron and pause for a while Then woosh! And we’re up in less than a mile, Quickly ascending and turning south, Suck on a hard-boil and moisten the mouth. The lights go out on the seat belt sign, When dinner comes round, we’ll order some wine. Flick through the channels to see what we’ve got, All golden oldies that time has forgot. The in-flight mag is not worth a look, Well done Frances for buying that book. The pressure’s increasing; off come the shoes, Just look at the length of the queue for the loos! The trolley arrives with dinner of sorts; We order the wine and a couple of shorts; The food is gone – it doesn’t take long, Then on to the coffee jet black and strong. Dinner is over; the film will soon start, A has-been actor cast in a bit part. The film is over, The lights dimmed low, The shutters are down, And the talking has stopped. Wrapped in blankets and eyes covered up, All are thinking and can’t get to sleep; Thinking of tomorrow and of next week, Not really of routines left far behind. Looking forward into the night…. My headphones are on, …….. Drifting in and out of sleep, The night passes slowly by. The lights go on brightly; the shutters spring open, Thoughts of South Africa begin to deepen. There’s butter, jam and croissant too, And small hand wipes said to refresh you. Then all at once the trays are away, Outside the sun shines at the start of the day. Time just enough for that duty-free buy, Before we start the descent from the sky; Time just enough for the captain to say: “Thank you for flying with us today”. Faster and faster the ground rushes by, Then “bump” and we’re down home and dry. So now all that’s left of this overnight flight, Is to pick up our bags and thank the crew. People relax as they step off the plane, And follow the signs to the luggage reclaim. Watching the bags as they go round and round, Watching the delight on the faces of those who have found, Their cases and bags; and anxiety for those who have as yet not. Immigration and Customs have both had their say; Those without headphones now start their holiday.

Alternatively, write your own story about travelling to South Africa.

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• Hywel Meredith    
• Location: London
• Occupation: Retired Project Manager
• Last Trip: Cyprus
• Next Trip: South Africa
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