Camel Crusade

Out of the rising of the sun,

in single file across the desert plains,

three travellers with burdens on our backs

and golden charms that jangle on our reins.

From Africa to other lands and then

from other lands to Africa again.

The colours of our riders catch the breeze;

the scarlet and the purple and the gold;

like banners waving on a fierce crusade

to foreign lands with foreign kings to hold.

All journeys and all conquests start this way,

outriding night to lie the long, hot day.

But with the darkness comes the burning star,

a fire in the wilderness of night.

And suddenly, the desert changes shape

beneath the steady brilliance of light.

All burdens are not treasures to be sold,

but gifts of myrrh and frankincense and gold.