Periplus

Two hundred li southwest, four days, the sea
grows red with silt. Do not believe
your oarsmen when they say
the breakers swarm with snakes. It’s just strange kelp
and good to eat. Now navigate
the river’s mouth, and tie

your ship up well. If asked, you must deny
the cargo’s destination. Set
a rolling guard, and stand
some watch yourself. Load what they’re offering:
you may require barter soon. Put out
in silence at neap tide.

Your heading’s west, where spice atolls provide
water and gold. Your precious freight
will mitigate the drought
you must endure before those oars achieve
their port. You’ll need some local help
negotiating shoals

and gifts for any warlord who controls
commerce there now. Do not display
your goods when bartering
but speak as if they’re worthless. Understand
they’re worth only the trade you’ll get
they’re not your legacy.