Under palm trees, oranges, olives and pears

The indolent desert slouches, half an eye closed

And half an eye out for men of affairs whose cares

Keep them from keeping their gaudy gardens hosed.

Slouches and yawns, that clown. Leaves in disdain

Gaseous dragons their nauseous knights to nettle.

Flips his tail coyly, rolls over, says he would fain

Die a dry death. Haw! browning a petal.

Has it too good, too good. Is vastly diverted

Watching his merchants and bankers stumble out doors.

Parries their blows, says he loves, loves to be squirted

As at him they fiercely empty their reservoirs.

Sleeps a great deal, drinks deep, drinks deep and makes hay,

Thinking he’ll swallow the bankers and all one day.