A Desert Song

I found the bottle lying on a dune of wind-swept sand, And I brushed the grains upon it with a weak and trembling hand, I was crazy-mad for water, I was more than three days dry, So I pulled the cork with sand fouled teeth and spat it at the sky. What came out wasn't water, it tasted more like smoke, So I thought myself the victim of some fools cruel joke. Then standing there before me, like a Muslim houri dressed, Was a damsel more than beautiful, who my flaking face caressed. She said "you've given me my freedom from my prison of the ages. So I offer wishes numbering three as payment of your wages." I knew what I desired, I knew what to wish for first, I said "give drink to all upon this world who now suffer thirst. But give those thirsty, a love of fellow, more than words upon the lip. So they offer the bottle to a brother, before they take a sip. And give those brethren gratitude, to kneel before they swallow And thank whatevever God they serve for allowing them to follow." When this was said I realised, my wishes all were spent, Which was what I knew I'd wanted, from my first intent. She said "o man, I see you're one, whom God has truly blessed, So take a drink of water, and lay thee down to rest. I grant thee freedom from jealousy, from earthly want, from sin. Accept these gifts as tribute from an Effete of the Green Djinn." My reason for wishing as I did, to this day seems to flee me, But nightly as I slumber well, I still dream of Genie.