Two Taxi Rides

Two taxi rides, kodwa you feel so far
Rank seven to twelve, beneath the same rain
I keep your voice note tucked beside my heart
Two taxi rides, why we waiting again?

You leave work by the pharmacy sign
I'm counting coins at rank number nine
Grocery bags cutting into my hand
Your blue scarf still smells like your weekend plans
You send, "Ngiyakukhumbula," then the day runs late
I type back a heart, but I hesitate
Rain writes rivers down the taxi glass
Same city, same sky, still letting moments pass

The meter keeps turning, the week keeps moving
Your name on my screen, my courage disappearing

Two taxi rides, kodwa you feel so far
Rank seven to twelve, beneath the same rain
I keep your voice note tucked beside my heart
Two taxi rides, why we waiting again?

Ngizofika, ngizofika
Say it and mean it
Mean it tonight

Thursday, I leave the bags on the floor
Put on your scarf and walk out the door
At rank number seven, I choose the first car
Send you my pin: "Don't ask where we are"
You laugh in a voice note, then silence the phone
I watch wet windows carry me home
At rank number twelve, your green gate appears
One hand on the handle, one hand on my fear

No more "soon," no more maybe
I'm crossing the distance that made us strangers, baby

Two taxi rides, now I'm coming your way
Rank seven to twelve, let the whole world wait
I keep your borrowed scarf close to my heart
Two taxi rides, we don't have to be far

The road was never the hardest part
It was the room we built around our hearts
Your scarf on my shoulders, your voice in the rain
We were close on the map, growing distant in name

Hamba nami
I'm already here

Two taxi rides, and the door opens wide
Rank seven to twelve, now you're here by my side
I give back your scarf, but you hold on to me
Two taxi rides, and we're finally free

Finally free
Sikhona, sikhona
No more waiting, no more waiting
Two taxi rides!

Rain on the window, warm light at the gate
Your hand finds my hand before it gets late
Two taxi rides, two hearts choosing home