You're going to follow the steps of one called "the great".
As you stand where he once stood will you feel his greatness?
Stand at the division of the Nile in Cairo,
Islam, Christian, Jew to the east, ancient Egypt to the west.
That mightiest river dividing more than the land.
Take me with you to that wondrous place.
I long to see the pharaonic village,
My fingers itch to touch an embroidered galabeya by Kerdasa.
I know I cannot go, heavy lies my heart.
Yet joy for you lifts it up again.
Think of me once in a while on your splendid journey.

You are my Prince of the Desert.

In Tekkes, think of my pleasure at the mosques and museums.
Imagine me dancing carefree at the Reina.
Picture my eyes glowing at the sight of the Topkapi Palace.
At the Rosetta National Museum hold a magical stone,
Make a wish, send a thought to me.
Show my imagination the beauty of Egypt.
Teach me to haggle over the iridescent perfume bottles at the bazaar.
Show me Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh, the ancient Oasis of Siwa.

You are my Prince of the Desert.

As you trek across the hot sand, imagine Buccephulus running.
Share his dreams filled with Homers Illiad.
Think of him gazing upon Gaza.
Tell me stories in the night of long ago battles.
Whisper to me of the hopes and dreams of someone so fierce.
Emblazoned with a lion, a mane like one as well.
Tell me how his eyes were two different colors.
Enchant me with the tales that have captured you.

You are my Prince of the desert.

In Jordan, tempt me with new, exotic foods.
We could have Hommus with Tehineh to whet our palettes.
Waraq da waalee as a main dish, a light Mushabbak for dessert.
You'd sip your strong, cardamom laden Arabic coffee,
I'll opt for the sweeter yet potent Turkish coffee.
Lounging back, smiling as you enjoyed a Nargileh.
Perhaps we could see Dana, the Shomari,
Watching the last of the wild Oryx, Onagers, Gazelles.

You are my Prince of the Desert.
In Damascus, watch the sunrise behind the Eggelin Tomb Tower.
Watch as the sky burns amber, think of my eyes.
Longing to see what you can see.
Take me with you as we eat dried fruit.
Visiting village and town, the sun a constant companion.
Tell me of the vastness of the sand, of the heat of the sun.
Let me feel it blazing on my skin, face upturned.
Share with me the desert winds so I might dance in their arms.

You are my Prince of the desert.

Take my hand; lead me to Lebanon with all its magic.
Let's sit for a traditional Mezze.
Laughing at all the food before us, 30 or 40 dishes.
I'll tease you as you try to use the bread as cutlery.
Farroul Meswi will follow intoxicating our senses.
Then the flaky pastries with honey and pistachios.
If we can rise from the table, let's see the sights.
Watching the sky over Sidan, seeing the tiles of Tripoli.

You are my Prince of the Desert.

Although I cannot be with you on your desert adventure.
My heart longs to fly free with you in his footsteps.
My imagination runs wild at what you might experience.
My senses are invaded by all you will encounter.
The sights, the smells, the tastes, the textures.
Every beautiful second burned into your memory
Share them with me, for you are my Prince of the Desert.