Lantern Festival

When the fervor 

of the Lunar New Year’s celebration fades

and the flamboyant firecrackers fall silent

my heart already anticipates the next festivity 

of the Lantern Festival just two weeks away 

When Father helped us make paper lanterns   

each in the shape of the new year’s zodiac

our small hands learning patience

under his encouraging gaze

On the fifteenth night of the first moon

the festival finally came

the streets bloomed with children

each carrying the glowing wonder

of a candle flickering 

Inside the colored paper lantern

We wandered around 

parading in joy and laughter

comparing our creations

the night assumed a magical atmosphere  

lingering long after the light went out

By Shih-Fang Wang

From: United States