Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Poetry 2019 | Page 100

The Sailor
Shanghai Singapore International School, Wong, Ka Ho Jia Hao Louis - 15
There was a man from Ming,
He had the courage to sail the seas.
His goal was to make other countries,
Bow down to China.
The sea was dangerous,
It was unpredictable.
There were storms, and
Diseases broke out between sailors.
The sailor went on this courageous voyage
Seven times in total.
He brought porcelain and silk to other countries
And brought back many new things to the Chinese.
The voyages were not easy,
Health was always a problem.
Sailors got diseases such as,
Hepatitis to skin rashes,
From earaches to respiratory issues.
This sailor conquered all these problems,
And finally got the respect from all countries.
This sailor is Zheng He.
Zheng He’s voyage brought respect to himself
And for his home country------China.
No one can live forever,
Zheng He passed away in 1433,
Aged sixty-two,
Leaving behind glory and inspiration for the Chines.