Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Poetry 2017 | Page 137

The Bird of Sadness - the Shanghai Trader West Island School, Eyunni, Gayathri - 11 Part 1: Would she exchange her joy for wealth? Would she exchange her memories for stealth? Her longing for happiness only getting worse, So the bird had said. Who’s trust would she have if her mind was on gold? Who’s trust would she have if her laughter was sold? Her longing for happiness only getting worse, So the bird had said. What would she do if she was only left with greed? What would she do for hope was her desperate need? Her longing for happiness only getting worse, So the bird had said. If she leaves without bliss, what would be her legacy? A lifetime full of trade and selfishness? Nobody knew, nobody would, So the bird had said. Part 2: ‘What if riches became the only happiness, To the traders of Great Shanghai?”, they saw dread. ‘Our reputation will grow!’ they assured themselves, So the bird had said. The port gained fame from countries far and beyond, Their position in trade rushing ahead, But the trade in their mind was dropping down low, So the bird had said. They traded their silk for spices and tusks, Which brought pride to the stories that were read, They traded their paper for camels and lions, So the bird had said. But in their heart, they traded their love for their family, With time spent in their work shed,