I’ve studied the habits of beasts of burden
The Oxen, Mule , Donkey and Horse
But now I’ve researched on a different animal
None but the Humble Camel of course
Always in evidence since pre Biblical times
In Asia, Africa and Australia too
As beasts of burden & Human transport
Many tasks they’re expected to carry through
Only 2 species have survived the passage of time
One hump is the sign of the Dromedary
The Bacterian however has two humps
And this is how the two species vary
The life span of the Camel it seems is quite long
40 – 50 years so I’m told
Given the type of life they live
It’s amazing they get that old
The humps store fat and not water
A myth we’ve been given to believe
They are really a reservoir for fatty tissue
Insulative effects on the body they relieve
Given the areas they mostly work
Where temperatures are apt to vary
Such as the heat in the desert
Or the cold Mountainous territory
53 gallons of water in 3 minutes they’ll drink
Before a Safari or heavily laden trek
In areas where water is non existant ‘cept Oasis
And when dried up, further supplies it will wreck
They are known as the ships of the desert
When laden with goods to transport
Driven by nomadic Arabs
Who’s handling skills from birth are taught
The weight of these Beasts of Burden may vary
From 600 to 2,000 pounds
Sometimes travelling at speeds of 40 miles per hour
Which many a person confounds
In the past Camels have been used in warfare
To transport Cavalrymen here and there
In order to man the distant desert outposts
Or fight running battles anywhere
They are also used by civilians as transport
On Safari in organized tours
Demonstrating the life of the Bedouin tribesmen
When they too may have been fighting the Moors
Moving away from Africa to Australia where Camels also roam
Still as means of transport for goods or the Humans again
Roaming the Bush perhaps with Aborigine guides
To destinations unreachable by train
Then travel once again to Dubai in the desert
Where Cities rise from the sands
But Camels are here still in abundance
And the reins in the Arab drovers hands
Affluence all around us everywhere
For an event bringing smiles to all of their faces
For today is the idyllic chance to enjoy
A day watching the Camel races
But like many other animals the whole world wide
They are also used as human food
The Nomadic tribes they are feeding
The milk is drunk or turn to Butter Cheese or Yoghurt
Supplying all the proteins the tribes people are needing
And there as my story comes to an end
Which seems like an extended tale of verse
The hair may be used to produce textiles
And the leather will make many a bag or a purse