NIGHT BOAT TO CAIRO
It's just gone noon, half past monsoon
On the banks of the river Nile.
Here comes the boat, only half afloat
Oarsman grins a toothless smile.
Only just one more, to this desolate shore
Last boat along the river Nile.
Doesn't seem to care, no more wind in his hair
As he reaches his last half mile.
The oar snaps in his hand before he reaches dry land
But the sound doesn't deafen his smile.
Just pokes at wet sand with an oar in his hand
Floats off down the river Nile
Floats off down the river Nile.
(G. McPherson, M. Barson) 1979