Liverpool/ Shanghai Poem by Sheena Blackhall

The U boat story, Slave Trade, Mersey beat
Junks, sampans, memories of the Opium Wars
Scouse Chinatown, where doves and dragons meet

Paddy’s Wigwam, Catholics’ prayer retreat
Canyons of High Rise homes of Global tsars
Bold, Berry, Hope and Underwater Street

The Cavern, Giant Wheel (a scary treat)
Silks, porcelains, pagoda-shrines and bars
Cheapside and Strawberry Field, a childhood treat

Galleries galore, the Liver Birds high seat
Fried dumpling, hairy crabs, poteens in jars
Football supporters’ pitch, day out complete

Docks quays and yards with ships and yachts replete
Seven million Han Chinese, shipping and cars
Immigrants hoping poverty to cheat

Irish, Jamaican, Chinese all compete
To thrive with Liverpool’s Scousers and Jack tars
The Maglev train, the Bund, Mandorin’s pleat
Jade Buddhas under white magnolia stars