Debbie Guzzi Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

The Year of the Goat 2015

Cymbals and fireworks crisp and crescendo through the
black of night past the chrysanthemums displays
for the year of the Goat begins.

from the mainland Chinese tourist arrive
red cars, red money, red clothes, flame with wishes for 
prosperity as displays descend 
over Victoria harbor in Hong Hong.

pray the ghosts leave with the noise 
and peace and prosperity descend

hang your red lanterns
paste red animals on your windows
pray the ghosts of years past leave in peace

sparklers
rockets
firecrackers

Technicolor displays animate the streets
pyrotechnics fill the air, shopping markets overflow
as unattainable commodities get packed back
to Xian, Beijing and Shanghai - 
powdered milk dreams - a luxury attainable here
replace the rush to gunpowder displays

smoke coats the metal heavy air
as the crowds disperse for
a dumpling morning
 
parading creatures of past and present
          awe and delight

Lion dancers snake, kick, drum,
feet beat to the gong in hong hong
and all of China

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Sara Kendrick January 23, 2015 at 4:50 PM Enjoyed reading about the Chinese celebration of The Year Of The Goat..Enjoyed reading your work..Thanks for the visit to my page..Sara

Richard Lamoureux January 23, 2015 at 10:05 AM Stanza three, change ghost to ghosts. Otherwise this piece is perfect. I like how you captured the atmosphere. 7 all the way. Debbie Guzzi January 23, 2015 at 11:07 AM Thanks so much Richard! You have to keep an eye on me :) especially regarding tense & punctuation!

Anne-Lise Andresen January 22, 2015 at 4:35 AM - Interesting to read, Debbie - well done! - // Anne-Lise :)

Mohammad Yamin January 21, 2015 at 2:01 PM An amazing portrayal of The Year of Goat, Debbie. You have painted a vivid picture of the Chinese celebrations. Have you been there? I have visited 22 countries of the world, but have missed out China and Japan, my dream countries. I don't see my dream materializing. Love. -Mohammad Debbie Guzzi January 21, 2015 at 2:23 PM I have NOT been to a Chinese New Year Parade :( but I have been to both China & Japan - it does seem unsafe to go anywhere now :(

Andrea Dietrich January 21, 2015 at 2:00 PM Hey, cool, I believe this is MY year. I am sheep but I think goat is sometimes used in place of sheep, isn't it? I'll have to look that up. Nice job! and if you want to see a wombat fighting, you can type it in at youtube and a few things will come up. THey show one where he defends himself in a cave against a human invader!

Bl Devnath January 21, 2015 at 1:54 PM Wonderful poem of visions into the Chinese culture. Written with beautiful pen of red ink. Genius you are. Loved always, my lovely friend,bl

Dr.Ram Mehta January 21, 2015 at 11:09 AM I wish I was there, Deb. Love and light

Rajat Kanti Chakrabarty January 21, 2015 at 10:46 AM Beautifully portrayed The Year of the Goat 2015 Chinese New Year Love Debbie>rajat

James Peranteau January 20, 2015 at 8:26 PM I felt like I was back in China Town in Philly Debb...my heart was pounding reading your write, and how pleasant to read you once again, though so long...a true pleasure this was, I felt young again, as when I studied Gung Fu. Thanx for the memorries ! Have a wonderful day....much love, james P.S....don't believe all the hype you hear....most of us who studied Gung Fu are all broken up at my age...lol Debbie Guzzi January 20, 2015 at 9:06 PM up I did Tao Kwon do until I broke a leg & ankle! So nice to hear from you too long!