Classic Poem

1

Long lines of camels everywhere,
Winding across the desert sand,
Marching across Mohammed's land,
Laden with burdens rich and fair.

Aden, how fiery thy sun's ray
As, standing on this arid rock,
Where broke, of old, the battle's shock,
I gaze upon the glassy bay;

Or, through the city's streets below,
Where silent stalks the bearded sheik,
And turbaned merchants buyers seek,
Aimlessly wander to and fro.

Long lines of camels everywhere,
Winding across the desert sand,
Marching across Mohammed's land,
Laden with burdens rich and fair.

2

Standing on Mocha's famous ground,
O coffee, let me sing thy praise,
For oft hast thou the poet's lays
Inspired, and dull depression drowned.

What cup like thee, at break of day,
To touch the spirit's lethargy?
To quicken with life the drowsy eye?
And nerve the hand for toil or fray?

Or when, at evening's hour, we dine,
And rare Tobacco lends his joy,
What brings such rest without alloy,
O magic berry, drink divine?

Fabled nepenthe thou art not;
Nor dreams, nor wild-eyed ecstasy,
Nor deep oblivion dwell with thee!
Comfort thou bring'st to mortal lot!