Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Poetry 2017 | Page 123

A Once Great City
St. Margaret's Co-Educational English Secondary and Primary School
(Secondary Section), Shum, Stein – 14
In front of me, this divided boundary street.
The smell of gunpowder lingers the air, discreet
A historic landmark, where hundreds have died
In front of me are the remains of Old Shanghai.
A strong mighty wall, ten meters tall
Defended the city and prevented its fall.
Guarded by soldiers risking their lives
Was the grey-bricked wall of Old Shanghai.
Battling enemies from the east
The city fought off Wokou beasts.
But the west was where the true enemy lied
For they were planning the destruction of Old Shanghai.
This well-guarded place was put under siege,
Their resources gone as fast as they wanted to flee,
The walls broken through and the citizens cried
It was the beginning of the end of Old Shanghai.
The loyal walls torn down in 92
Replaced by a celebratory avenue.
But after all these years, the legend never dies
Of the once great city, called Old Shanghai.