The side streets of Wan Chai purvey
what ever you require
the things you need, or maybe not
your shadow’s dark desire
A bargain hunter’s paradise
a visual delight
dried fish, umbrellas, underwear
everything in sight
Sing song sounds of Canto chatter
a drink for thirsty ears
mangos, chickens, household goods
and tacky souvenirs
Economies of scale defied
by nickel, dime arcade
the ancient eyes of hawkers smile
their mission to persuade
A metamorphosis at night
presents a different scene
from telephones to fucking shoes
and all that goes between
The charlatans of love appear
and everything’s for sale
where virtues are negotiable
the story a travail
The side streets of Wan Chai purvey
what ever you require
the things you need, or maybe not
your shadow’s dark desire
Copyright © Henri Ferguson 2002
Author notes
One morning I was walking around Wan Chai, totally immersed in this scene of sensory overload of sounds, sights and smells. At night it's quite a different place and a favorite haunt for sailors on shore leave. These words came to me as a result.
Written August 3rd, 2002
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1 - 17 of 17
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Thought I'd go back and read one of your older pieces... glad I did - this is wonderful. You transport the reader to those streets in Wan Chai... amazing descriptions. Much enjoyed this one. Helen
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excellent
The day aspect of this sounds like China town in Toronto but the night, we don't have that here. (scene here is just different)
like this! makes me feel more worldly. Thanks. -
don't touch it!
Delightful wander through the area on the back of your words.
Great work ferg -
don't touch it!
wonderfully descriptive!!! The reader can share the experience thru your words..the sights and sounds...excellent write!!! -
don't touch it!
The pictures you've painted with your words are colourful and real, beautiful and haunting. You've drawn me in and I've walked Wan Chai with you, today. Brilliant and definitely on my faves list. Good stuff, Fergs. xx Tilly -
excellent
I could smell the air! This is vivid...so full of life. -
don't touch it!
full of life and color, almost tangible. the first half reminds me of our chinatown.....i don't know how is there at night, i play it safe and stay home.
hong kong must be very exotic. -
excellent
(excellent!) -
neutral
I liked the details.
A very nice, vivid poem.
Thanks for sharing.
And this...
reminded me of HK.
:) -
don't touch it!
enjoyed sharing your experiences of life in Wan Chai amazing desciption :))pjs -
neutral
wonderful ferg! this is a new favorite of mine...
Pataliyah (who misses our chats...so busy these days...I will think of you though) -
excellent
Reminds me of my brief stint in China - Wuhan and Hong Kong both just teem with life - and vendors everywhere in certain parts of the city ! Thanks for bringing it back to me again - that was an enjoyable trip that I'll never forget ... :-) -
don't touch it!
Not often does one get the chance to peruse
the window of another's experience so.
Vivid. -
don't touch it!
Ferg this is wonderful..could almost smell and taste it..a great description..~~~GILL~~~ -
don't touch it!
Fantastic Ferg!
I saw an amazing picture in my mind.
Loved the rhyme too :)
*smiles
CM -
don't touch it!
Everything is negotiable ... vivid picture you paint .. sensory overload indeed ... Great work Ferg! Much Respect ~ Brian -
neutral
Brought back a lot of memories. Evocative, also very well written liked the structure
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