Sky Lanterns Poem by Ima Ryma

In Chinese folklore it is said
Taiyi, the god of heaven, smiled
When seeing lanterns floating red
In lovely ornate designs styled.
The Chinese emperor would bring
Splendid ceremonies each year,
Send thousands of lanterns floating
In hope that Taiyi felt good cheer,
And would not send his dragons to
Bring storm and pestilence and drought,
But rather let the people do
Well living in China throughout.

Some years the lanterns helped a lot,
But some years the lanterns helped not.