Rows of reeds and rushes ripple
backs arched and heads bent,
The breeze skips along the bank
following the river as it went,
Feluccas' sails full and billowing
cut a path at speed in the flow,
Ships with gold, ivory and spices
laden heavy to the markets go,
Crocodiles lazy in shady shallows
watch or yawn too hot to care,
Hippos' eyes from above the water
hide in hesitation, sniff the air,
Ducks, ibises and waterfowl aplenty
play and feed in...