i.
Chronicled history of a patriotic poet who loved his liege:
his prudence, though, was overlooked. In turbulent sorrow,
the poet flung his devotion into the torrents and drowned,
unfulfilled promises of protecting the kingdom. His loyalty
shook the hearts of the people. They drummed off evil spirits
with dragon boats, fed river creatures sacrificial dumplings for
peace. Remember the forsaken poet; keep the demons at bay.
ii.
Explain why the moon is full. Superstitions birthed tales
illuminating the darkness. Some believe fate is in the stars
though this story rises with the moon. A curious cottontail
(or a maiden’s face) gazes down, regrets of broken promises
long before. Lore and history unfold like maps, revealing
indigenous hopes, understanding. How a revolution was led by
mooncakes, messages scrolled inside. Lanterns lighting the way.
iii.
New year, new cycle: animal energy, symbols painted in open
books and minds, these bedtime stories rooting year on year.
Through fiction we reveal truths; is magic not science
in its purest form? Zodiacs, predictions, feng shui are patterns
with their own logic. Read between the winds like Zhuge Liang
and foresight finds applause beyond one lifetime. What sense
do you make from the chaos? Fin. Blood-orange fireworks fray.
Winifred Mok is a poet, filmmaker (Kin: Fallen Star) and podcaster (Project FIA goes PC) from Hong Kong whose work explores the spaces of language, culture, and identity. Based in the UK, her writing has appeared in various publications, and her poetry has been shortlisted for the Bridport Poetry Prize.