Chapter 36: Five Postcards from a Chinese New Year

1. Our figures outlined 

in bursts of colored light.

Shadows dispelled 

by fire and thunder

raining down from heaven.
 

2. "Gongxi gongxi,

We want dongxi,"

little emporers cry.

3. We climbed into the Winds of May

and watched the world explode

in pyroclastic light.

4. The fiery lanterns trace their paths above the sea -

the manifestation of hopes and dreams. 

Yet their fate is shared with Icarus,

for neither heed the truth.

5. Lanterns huddle together -

gentle, scarlet beacons -

smiling their cheery wishes

for good fortune.