Hidden Light: Poems after Spring Lanterns, Incense, and Fireworks

Hidden Light: Poems after Spring Lanterns,

Incense, and Fireworks

Spring After Lanterns

Deep crimson lanterns stretch before each home,
Overjoyed voices travel near and far;
Ceremonial feasts breathe fragrance new,

Loving hearts grow warmer in shared grace;
Aglow the hearth-fire dries long waiting hopes,
Peaceful midnight of the turning year arrives.

Thin moonlight hangs silent at the edge of sky,
Under drifting incense twined with petals;

Delicate apricot blossoms fall in gentle wind,
Only to gather this spring in deeper longing.

Coming spring touches every narrow street,
Alert red lanterns brighten dreaming skies;
Cakes of green rice and tea release soft scent,
Hushed spring air spreads tender affection.

Mild spring settles upon the tiled roofs,
Aflame the ember kindles quiet wishes,
Nimble footsteps mingle with laughter,
Glimmering among countless kindly eyes.

Narrow streams of incense rise with the breeze,
Hushed blossoms perfume the river wide;
All hearts gathered in joyful reunion,
Tiny drops of spring soak into the soul;
Distant tomorrows may part us briefly,
Always within the heart, affection remains,
Your love shines like the rising sun.

Year of the Fire Horse

Crimson banners rise against the dawn,

Ash-bright lanterns tremble before each lawn;

Ceremonial drums roll through the square,

Hearth-fires kindle hope in winter air.

Mane of flame across the eastern sky,

Alert hooves like sparks that leap and fly;

New year gallops through the waiting land,

Golden light rests warm on every hand.

Night withdraws beneath a brighter hue,

Hushed bells answer with a tone clear-true;

Awakened streets with laughter newly born,

Thresholds open wide to greet the morn.

Dancing embers crown the rooftops high,

All hearts steady as the hour draws nigh;

Young and old in gathered warmth agree.

Deep within the root, the branch grows free,

Over fields the Fire Horse runs untied;

Courage glows where once the dark would hide.

Lantern smoke ascends in silver streams,

Amid the feast are shared unspoken dreams;

Peace and promise fill the brimming bowl.

Time itself seems bridled by the soul,

Under heaven’s blaze no fear remains;

Dawn rides in on bright unbroken reins,

On this spring — one heart, one flame, one goal.

Spring on the Streets

The streets glow bright with crimson lanterns,
Hushed laughter mingles with the air of spring,
Ash-like sparks of fireworks flare in night skies.

Happy voices crowd each bustling alley,
Yearning hearts meet in the warmth of cheer.

Soft golden marigolds color tiled rooftops,
Illuminated fires chase away the chill,
Night winds carry incense over the crowd,
Hearts are warmed by tea cups in hand.

The clatter of footsteps echoes down the lanes,
Always a smile greets every passerby,
Tunes of celebration play on every corner,
Crowds gather, joy blooming like flowers,
All lanterns shine brightly against the dusk.

Chatter and blessings fill the festival air,
Huê-style flowers, marigolds, peach blossoms bloom,
Uplifted wishes drift skyward with incense.

Kids run laughing through the colorful crowd,
Happiness glows despite the winter chill,
Over rooftops, lanterns sway in the breeze,
Night drums echo, stirring hearts along the streets.

Couples dance to the rhythm of the lion,
Hearth smells of sweet rice cakes fill the alleys,
Inviting joy and spring across the lanes,
Uplifting voices wish good fortune for all.

Memories of past New Years sparkle in eyes,
Always together, neighbors share the warmth,
The streets alive with laughter, music, and light,

Night wanes but lanterns still cast a glow,
Uplifted hearts carry wishes into the new year,
Celebrating the start of spring with one accord.