A thin shaft of majestic sunlight

dances across the harbours contained waves

As if highlighting each crest in gold leaf 

Men with muscled arms and sturdier backs

load small boats, transporting large chests of fine silks

Precious stone, spices, and polished gold

Others stand motionless on the fine-marbled quay, 

ready to glimpse the regal retinue

Overhead, dawn clouds shadowed grey, slowly turning white 

against the dull sky in these early hours

Soon these clouds will burn away

As the sun rises higher and intensifies the cerulean blue,

Weathered ancient Greco ruined wonders

Arches, lintels, columns and capitals

Add grandeur to this seaport scene

gaps in the stonework have captured life

Small ferns and grasses colour the grey with green

Statues looking like plaster cast Pompeiians  

Stand high on roofs, looking down

Awaiting to view the splendour of this glorious queen.

The mighty anchor hauled on the tall ship
Our lady of Sheba slowly slips past the harbour walls. 

The radiance of the sun

Illuminates her alabaster complexion

As she gazes eastward towards the lands of Soloman,

Sol, her god, respectfully bows his head, 

Secretly, envious of her radiance and beauty.