A fragrant harbour: that’s what Hong Kong means

A slight misnomer residents agree

For putrid smells like winged malicious fiends

Assail the nostrils most pugnaciously.

The skyscrapers that perforate the clouds

Are all that hold the heavy skies in place

And far below, like ants, the madding crowd

Phone out, heads down, zig-zig at glacial pace.

And yet to criticise would not be fair

Because this island captivates our hearts

It’s energy and charm are past compare

The whole transcends the sum of all its parts.

And, though in time it’s residents may roam

It’s comforting, for now, to call it home.