Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Poetry 2019 | Page 20

My Legendary Voyages to the Sea
Diocesan Girls' Junior School, Ma, Luann - 11
The glistening blue of the welcoming oceans,
The upraised nautical flags with intricate patterns so fine,
The encouraging cheers and chants of our citizens,
Once were the unique cherished fortune of mine.
The treasure fleet and the magnificent sea -- my homeland,
The glorious memoirs I indulged in, ever so grand.
Zheng He am I.
“The voyager who rules the sea,”
They admiringly sigh.
The perfect start with 62 handsome ships --
We displayed Ming China’s prestige, traded and battled!
Our mighty fleet left all in awe, and
Charged! Aha! Yes, the pirates we tackled!
The victory gained by nearly 30 thousand of us men,
Could you imagine the contentment of the Chinese then?
Zheng He am I.
“I shall faithfully serve the King
till the day I die.”
We set off again -- at the Emperor's wishes -
To Calicut, bearing innumerable exquisite presents.
Then, incense logs from an island, we cut --
The extravagant fragrances were simply enchantments!
Elation flooding into me while we returned,
Amidst all the hullabaloo which we had earned.
Zheng He am I.
“The ocean’s my home,
To which I’ll never say good bye!”
The third voyage -- to the destination of Ceylon,
We fiercely fought in our biggest battle, what an adventure!
Attacking the capital although our ships were assaulted,
Heading towards success! The ruler of Ceylon we did capture!
The Buddha’s sacred tooth we then secretly redeemed.
I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, how I gleefully beamed!
Zheng He am I.
“I shall embrace all challenges
which in the future lie.”