In Search of Ancient Egypt

In eons gone there was a land of shimmering palms and sun-drenched sand where the ibis and the crocodile shared the sacred river Nile as it wound its way down to the shining sea. Where the fiery face of holy Ra looked down upon the world and saw a long, broad valley touched with green where mighty Egypt ruled supreme and raised up monuments to eternity. Where pyramid, sphinx and obelisk dozed beneath Ra's flaming disk where mighty cities raised by man nestled amidst the shifting sand monuments of Egypt's sovereignty. Where the gentle Nile floods annualy renewing the land's fertility where the rich and poor, kings and slaves, pursued their labors day by day to create the nation's unique society. By ship and cart and caravan, treasures crossed the sun-baked sand, traders braving dangerous odds all for the glory of Egypt's gods one of the greatest nations the world had yet to see. Amidst it all reigned Pharaoh, upon his golden throne. Ruler of Egypt's length and breadth, absolute lord of life and death guiding Egypt's path to destiny. But there is an end to all things, and in the Valley of the Kings were built tombs to last the ages great contributers to history's pages and thus was achieved immortality. Oh, mighty Egypt epitome of power, opulence and wealth paired with squalor magnificence, now much declined washed away on the tides of time the most glorious chapter of mankind's antiquity. Egyptian cities, Egyptian names, Egyptian mystery and fame. Osiris, Karnac, Isis Thebes, Cairo, Seti, Luxor, Rhamses, Nefertiti and Cleopatra, legenderary queens Shining beacons across the dusty years, guideposts to the secrets of Egypt's hopes and fears- to sift the myriad sands for clues searching through history's residue, hoping to find ancient Egypt's reality. * Another one of my "older" poems, this one is different from my usual in style and otherwise.I have no idea what I was doing with my rhyme scheme then, and now, upon re-reading I wonder if it sounds a bit choppy. Readers, What do you think?