Bedouin

We journey through the desert, where all the world is home,

Our carpet is the swirling sand, our roof is heaven’s dome.

History marks out the paths where Bedouin have gone,

Our velvet midnights pierced with stars, our days scorched by the sun.

We brought our faith in Allah to the people as we passed,

And in our wake the nations learned to read and pray and fast.

In modern times we’ve built our homes and show our guests the sights,

Great pyramids, oasis springs and star-lit desert nights.

We know the footprints in the sand, the creatures that pass by,

They show us who is close at hand and where our pathways lie.

At night, we’re guided by the stars, they map the world and show

Which way our destination lies, and where our path should go.

We treat our guests with kindness, cook food for them to eat,

Our coffee, brewed with spices is dark and hot and sweet.

Our weddings deck the desert with tents made bold and bright.

All are welcome as we dance and sing by firelight.

Some see our noble heritage and show a deep respect.

Others have forgotten how or haven’t learned it yet.

We live along the edges of the world most people know,

And feel at home most deeply where they’re afraid to go.

We journey through the desert, where all the world is home,

Our carpet is the swirling sand, our roof is heaven’s dome.