China-going P.&O.’s

China-going P. & O.'s
Pass Pau Amma's playground close, 
And his Pusat Tasek lies
Near the track of most B.I.'s. 
N.Y.K. and N.D.L.
Know Pau Amma's home as well 
As the Fisher of the Sea knows
" Bens," M.M.'s and Rubattinos. 
But (and this is rather queer) 
A.T.L.'s can not come here;
O. and O. and D.O.A.
Must go round another way. 
Orient, Anchor, Bibby, Hall, 
Never go that way at all. 
U.C.S. would have a fit
If it found itself on it.
And if " Beavers " took their cargoes 
To Penang instead of Lagos,
Or a fat Shaw-Savill bore 
Passengers to Singapore, 
Or a White Star were to try a 
Little trip to Sourabaya,
Or a B.S.A. went on 
Past Natal to Cheribon, 
Then great Mr. Lloyds would come 
With a wire and drag them home.
 
You'll know what my riddle means 
When you've eaten mangosteens.

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