“I like the heat,
freezing nights too,
clear cloudless skies
with stars blinking through.
Grant me a wilderness
so desolate and dry,
that echoes in its silence
for every passer-by.

“I’m not a fussy eater
but know just where to look.
I can eat the plants
which make others really crook!
My soft lips of velvet
take thistle, thorn or prickle.
I’ll nibble away without delay;
their spikes barely tickle.

“For those who do believe
my hump’s a jerrycan,
I would like to share with you
why that is not the plan.
It’s how I store some fat
to use when times are tough,
for energy and water
and if that’s not enough,
I recycle vapour
back along my nose;
a clever way to sort
and solve my water woes.

“My long and steady legs
cut distance every stride;
padded feet for trekking
won’t split, sink or slide.
No matter the terrain
hills, rocks or sand,
we can journey onward
across the desert land.

“These eyes have luscious lashes,
and my face shows a grin.
I can shut my nostrils
to stop sand from getting in!
Strong, tough and hardy;
they say we are all three.
We’re made for desert life
as I was meant to be.

“Now in modern times
trekking ‘s still the same.
I’m here among my Caravan
and Carmel is my name.
Relax to the rhythm
of rock, roll and sway,
all in line with my friends
and we are on our way.”

CLEVER CARMEL BY EDWINA SMITH

Image from Pixabay