Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Winners 2020 | Page 44

Winning Entries
They envision the future, and what it may hold
Would it bring wealth or happiness?
He divulged that he was merely a struggling business man-
In the future he sees, there lay no mountain of gold.
She tells him not to be discouraged,
Bringing up a distinctly familiar name - his own.
Another businessman, who started in the very same place,
But soon found his fortune, and quickly flourished.
He bid her a confounded farewell
In favour of seeking out himself,
Coming across the extravagant mansion he would one day call home,
Holding his breath, he rang the doorbell.
The person who answered was like a mirror image, only weathered by the years.
Soon he was being led through a house,
The interior as lavish as the outside - draped in fine silk, chiselled out of marble,
Lit with numerous crystal chandeliers.
To discuss this extraordinary event
They took lunch in a spacious sitting room,
Debating if circumstances can be changed with direction
And if so, to what extent?
The older version of the boy proposes an agreement-
To teach his younger self the ways of their trade,
Instructing him in life, informing him of the future,
Promising that before long, his business will see definite achievement.
With this deal struck,
The boy returned to his time, armed with knowledge of required actions
Unable to believe
His inconceivable luck.
Investments were made,
Every stock was bought and sold
At the perfect opportunity, and at first no one suspected
Any kind of external aid.
The boy’s standing in society rose
People took notice.
Before long,
Talk quickly arose.
It must be a hoax
They cried.
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