My Trip Down the Nile

          I am in the prow of my father's boat, sailing down the Nile.  We are traveling north to Lower Egypt in order to trade our linen and leather for food grains.  The wind tousles my hair, and the scents of water, soil, and green grass wash over me.  I close my eyes and feel gentle rays of the sun warm my face.  The soft splashes of river water against our servants' oars bring me out of my peaceful reverie, and I look around.  I see the vibrant green of some grass growing along the bank of the river, the golden-yellow of wheat, the clear, blue river lapping against land, and rich, black soil.  Some fishermen wave at us from their canoe; I smile and wave back.  A fish jumps, glinting silver.  A brilliant, blue dragonfly zips past.  I am at peace with the world.