Imposing figures, on guard for thousands of years,

Four seated carvings of Ramesses the second so no one interferes. 

I turn around and gaze out at the bright blue lake instead, 

Wishing for a cooling breeze but feeling roasted. 

We have finally arrived at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temples. 

I roll over the bumpy boardwalk towards the door, 

Awestruck and hoping to learn some of the secrets of the hidden lore. 

Adjusting to the dim light, I look up at the facades. 

I see carved black hieroglyphs of the winged sun gods, 

The ruler Ra and his guardian Horus protecting the pharaoh. 

Looking ahead, the towering stone statues in perfect repair, 

Feet as big as canoes, I feel miniature sitting in my wheelchair. 

Walls covered in faded hieroglyphs as the path narrows, 

Telling the tale of Ramesses, the mighty, yet arrogant pharaoh.