Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Poetry 2019 | Page 16

The Great Voyages of Ming Dynasty
A.D. & F.D. of Pok Oi Hospital Mrs Cheng Yam On School, Chan, Sophie Chan – 10
The journeys to the west was 70 thousand miles or more,
Unknown horizons were waiting for Captain Zheng He to explore.
He went on 7 voyages and spread Chinese glory.
It ushered in a new era for Chinese history.
Short after the first expeditions, Zheng He became famous,
Long before America discovered by Christopher Clumbus.
Came over numerous obstacles and defeated the pirates,
The sea was protected by Zheng He and his teammates.
There are giraffes as tributes from Africa,
And there are also horses from Arabia.
Using a compass to navigate for over 30 years,
Mastering a powerful navy definitely without any fears.
Extend the route for trading among countries is a success.
How much profits do we get? No one can guess.
The Journey to Jedda
Bradbury School, Bracovic, Yelena - 10
It all started with the Ming Dynasty, they wanted to expand their empire relations.
They set sail on open seas, to seek other nations.
They gathered gold, silks and spices, to delight the Sultan of Arabia, in hopes of future trade.
They set out on ships carrying military forces and weapons on a course they stayed for days.
Through the East China Sea, the South China Sea, the Bay of Bengal and finally, the Red Sea.
The Chinese men faced many dangerous pirates, various fleas, ticks and drinking lots of herbal tea.
When they arrived in the city of Jeddah, the King was not so keen on their arrival.
So the Chinese pleaded for mercy for their survival.
After trade negotiations with the Ruler for precious stones and highly prized fragrances from Arabian trees.
The two countries celebrated with wine, dates, nuts, rice, meat and cheese.
At last it was time for the Chinese to go home.
The people of Jedda were all alone.
After months of ticks, fleas and herbal tea, they arrived back in Nanjing.
They told the adventures and brought fabulous goods for the King.
The King was delighted and also very excited to explore more territories.
This voyage was known as one of the Ming Treasure stories.