It is Lunar New Year, and your father takes you to

the heart of Beijing, pulsating with the beating of 

tanggu drums and gilded gongs. You glide alongside

the swift river and direct your attention upward,

towards the ephemeral fireworks streaking 

the crepuscular sky. Resounding laughter pierces

the air. Your father purchases a paper lantern for ¥5, 

and your fingertips trace the flittering butterflies and lotus flower

designs etched in gold. You soon release the lantern 

from its slumber in your palm and let it join the infinity 

of celestial lights dotting the sky, paper-thin 

wishes illuminating the darkness.