Made In China

What did the Chinese give to the world? Abacus, bells and brandy The calendar, compass, crossbow Fireworks…the world's first whisky They gave us the decimal system Drilling for oil, and lacquer Gunpowder and mechanical clocks Fishing reels, kites and paper Flamethrowers and flush toilets Helicopters, silk and rudders Magic mirrors and parachutes Porcelain and horse collars Iron ploughs, the suspension bridge Matches and printmaking Relief maps, stirrups, umbrellas Wheelbarrows, where work's back breaking What did the Chinese give to the world? Subtract from life these things I'd miss the bells and the fireworks The fun and the useless things!