Cloves Poem by Neil Stewart McLeod

Set in the Indian Ocean,
Off the African coast, but not far,
There's a fertile oasis surrounded by sea-
The Island of Zanzibar.

This mystical tropical haven
Set with palaces, palms and a fort,
Is dotted with trees that bear a spice
Which for centuries long has been sought.

The Caesars had seen it imported,
Though they knew not from whence it came.
They brought it by galley from Palestine
To relieve their dental pain.

This valuable spice was transported
By caravan over the sand,
From a port in the south of Arabia
And by dhow from that far distant land.

The seeds of this spice have a fragrant oil,
An obtundent for which many strove.
We know the oil as Eugenol,
The remarkable spice is the clove.