Port Said bustling with activity

Sounds of the cheerful,whistling bambouti

Singing Egyptian folklore tales

Little bum-boats adding to the scenic beauty.

Haggling with tourists on the ships that dock

Against gigantic hulls,the bum-boats flock

Selling Khan El-Khalili products

Trivia of an ancient historic epoch.

In a hale and hearty voice,the bambouti shouts

20 pounds for genuine pashmima,have no doubts

Wooden statues of King Tutenkhamun,little pyramids

Delivery,payment by rope,the bambouti tows.

The bum-boatsman’s days are numbered

Let the bambouti be remembered

As the exotic smell of burning incense

Wafts down the quay,he’s happy with little earned.