I have lived in Port Said for many years

Even though I am English by birth

Over this time I consider that the city has declined

As it is scruffy hot and overcrowded

The mermaids in the sea have been hunted into extinction

Leaving only the sirens in the outer waters

I am quite friendly with these creatures

And often photograph them for glossy magazines

In return they leave my fishing boat alone

And they frequently join me in the cabin below

To listen to my tales of the old country