This Little Lantern Of Mine Poem by Andrew W.K. Yip

This little lantern of mine,
This little lantern light,
In deep darkness glow and shine,
Still bring cheer and warmth like daylight.

But you blink, a gesture beyond words, as rude shadows strut in with ease.
Won't you flicker and quiver with your tiny flare,
Stir the stillness of the night with the slightest breeze,
Still stare with the gentle glow and flame that care?

This little lantern of mine
Fly and flutter in the sky,
Climbing, soaring and sliding with a line,
Tremble in the wind up high.

Oh, little lantern light,
Now you wander in the clouds so bold.
Wink and tell the crowd of lanterns, so colorful and bright:
'Let's light up the sky and turn the darkness gold.'


(In dedication to the Lantern Festival)
- The lantern is a symbol of Wisdom and Enlightenment.

Photo 'The Lantern Seller' c.1970
by Yip Cheong Fun, FRPS, EFIAP, FSEAPS, FSPS.