Baskets of Sand and Coral

BASKETS OF SAND AND CORAL Here on my roof on Eastern pillows spread I watch the “slaves” unload the dhows- Strong black men with bulging biceps, Carrying baskets of sand and coral on their heads. In monotonous repetition they trudge, From ship to sea wall, from wall to shore, Each a vital link of their conveyor belt, As their forefathers have been in ages past, Passing baskets of sand and coral on their heads.