Hanging Lanterns

Halloween is here—

Orange pumpkin Lanterns gleam—

A light that pierces my eyes,

then stings my heart.

I am five again in GuangDong.

My brother is born. My mother lights

a Red Lantern at the Temple.

A rite for sons only.

Red Lanterns fill the Temple,

carrying the wishes of our ancestors.

The lanterns flicker in GuangDong and Philadelphia, celebrating—

orange, Red; red, orange—

again, and again.

A single tear falls,

blurring here and there,

a heart becomes transparent.

About the Author

Sala Gu was born in Guangdong, China, and currently resides in Philadelphia. She is a person who loves life and is passionate about finding the little joys and heartwarming moments in everyday life.