Art by Heber Davis
When buying a house there is much to know
beyond school districts and mortgage rates
if you want your family fortune to grow.
Inauspicious fours are a definite no
even when balanced with a lucky eight.
When buying a house there is much to know.
Be mindful of feng shui, the ebb and flow
of qi, to maintain a harmonious state
if you want your family fortune to grow.
Stairs directly facing the front door below
descend inexorably to disastrous fate.
When buying a house there is much to know.
Lay out the rooms in straight columns and rows,
avoiding crooked boundaries on your estate,
if you want your family fortune to grow.
These hallowed teachings from so long ago
are heeded by those both humble and great.
When buying a house there is much to know
if you want your family fortune to grow.
Mihan Han was born in Mudanjiang, China. He immigrated to North America as a young child, first to the United States and later settling in Canada. He currently resides in Toronto, Ontario. His work has previously appeared in Ricepaper Magazine, Modern Haiku, The Heron’s Nest, Frogpond, and other publications. He also composes music and lyrics for the indie pop band Lucius Easen.