Another Egypt

Simplicity

Floating upon the river, there were tribes
who hardly ever set foot on the land
who never saw the marching cliffs of sand
who had no care for kings, gods, priests or scribes

but had instead the currents of the Nile
to read as scroll, ate fish instead of meat,
their luxury a cushion on the seat
from which they rowed, afraid of crocodile

rather than armies. When they came to die
they hoped to sink into the rich black silt,
naked , a simple cup of water spilt
as mourning rite. Eternity as dry

skin over bones appalled them. Some short years
of life and joy, then ending, with few tears.