I came across three accidents this morning. Not a week passes by without seeing these type of accidents where a car has collided with a minibus. Each time, I wonder, “What if I was in that taxi?” and each time there is some kind of a pensive mood that fills the taxi.
So my taxi rides are not all fun and games; yes, sometimes I do wonder if I’ll nail taxi maths, and sometimes I laugh at someone who’s getting nailed by it and I laugh at the passengers because of some silly things they do. But sometimes I involuntarily contemplate about my life.
After passing the scene, the passengers murmured their thoughts but the woman next to me bravely begged the taxi driver to reduce the speed, “I admire the way taxi drivers’ drive, we get to work quickly,” she said.
“However, we can’t ignore the fact that people are losing their lives on the road. Daily.”
The rest of the passengers murmured in agreement.
This was a spark of an intense conversation among us. I have always been fascinated by how people are afraid to speak of death. I learnt that some people see it as an invite and some, like me, see it as an opportunity to reflect and appreciate our lives.
One of the passengers said that it was sad not knowing how he will die, why and when. The other said the beauty of life comes in not knowing all those details. People divided into two teams and it felt like I was in my debate class in Grade 10, except this time I was part of the audience. Critically analysing the points presented on both sides and concluding the winning team. Only this time it was not as easy as that.
I have, however, concluded that we should by all means possible appreciate our lives – regardless of the different beliefs and challenges, we might have. I think it’s pretty precious that we are alive right now.
So this should serve as a warning to all motorists, ABIDE BY THE RULES OF THE ROAD. I don’t think it’s cute to talk about death on our way to work. It is not the content I signed up for.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/222218/taxi-chronicles-home-away-home/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/223891/my-atchar-chronicle-2/
