THE SILK ROAD
by Hugh
The Silk Road ran to Samakand
From the Emperor's seat Xian,
With a winding route - and deserts to boot,
Where the midnight devils sang
There bandits stalked, while camels walked -
Walked but never ran!
An undignified state for a Delegate
Of the worthy Emperor Han.
So, silk was brought, where the Parmirs rise
And Bazaars are the spice of life!
Where every man - whenever he can,
Takes additional woman to wife.
Thus the caravans snake and steadily bake
Between sand and sun dried sky.
Where warriors ride - and traders stride,
The bones of the dead slaves lie.
The journey's so long, that the travellers forget
How it started, or ever will end,
All peoples and tongues, are unknown alike -
So each camel became a friend.
Then finally passing the Hindu Cush
Taking Buddha's thoughts along
Where the Ganges rolls - and washes souls,
They stepped to the cricket's song.
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