Love Poem: Love and the Chinese New Year
Carol Eastman Avatar
Written by: Carol Eastman

Love and the Chinese New Year

Dragon was hatched in the year of the Dragon, on the Chinese Zodiac.
But, then so was I. Yep folks, that makes me so very, amazingly wise.
Because I was born in the year of the Dragon, a Dragon egg I did get!
Now, for the Chinese New Year, we were invited to participate, you bet!
Valentines Day fell into it perfectly, as we enjoyed a Chinese day, a plenty
Dragon learned the Lion and Dragon Dance, setting fire only to the confetti!

That night, a River Dragon Dance was done, by red lantern lights, on a barge.
Bonfires were lite, fire crackers went off, as a Lady Dragon floated into sight.
An elemental water Dragon, like us, she rode a barge down the river of delight.
Down the river, in all her regale pose, lovely painted face, long body, and lights.
Smitten, Dragon took off, circling above her head, to impress his Lady, thereon.
He danced and flew in wavy circles as the crowds repeatedly, cheered him on.

She surely, did fall in love, as she watched him fly and soar, looking so, in charge!
But alas, it eventually had to end for him, as a firecracker spark lit upon her barge.
His Lady Dragon, so slender, long, demure, and in her regale red and yellow flair…
Disappeared in a poof of smoke, as he realized she was his one, true love, so fair.
For she had seen him, and danced with him, and placed, upon his heart a lofty kiss.
And a soulful look of love touched and lingered and resonated upon his soul, still. 

But she was only paper, as acrobats made her match his dance, upon the barge.
But in the dark of that beautiful night, he saw only, the Ying to his Yang emerge...
A new legend was born, that night, as I tried to appease, his terribly broken heart…
Of a powerful Dragon Wizard, wanting his Lady, had stole her in a puff of smoke.
Now, Dragon was invited back each year, to do the dance again. For to evoke…
The power of True Love in the Dragon Dance, would force the spell, to be broke!

Now Dragon came back home, truly sad, but still with infinite hope in his heart…
Now each year, he would first dance with his own true love, to win her true heart. 
Then he would attack the Dragon Wizard, on a first barge, so he could set her free.
But each year, she’d disappear in a puff of smoke, the wizard would do the same.
Yes, Dragon would continue to return to China, to eventually bring her to his home.
That is how a new legend was born, of a fierce Dragon Prince, with unrequited love.

All of China did delight, for he was not just a paper Dragon performing, any more!
OUR Dragon, would fight, the great, good fight, for his Lady Love, until someday…
I’d replace her with a real Dragon princess to win his heart, in the legend I made.
Then another young Dragon will take his place, as the Chinese New Year cycles on.
But right now he’s still too young, so the battle will simply, have to continue on…

Inspired by Valentines Day and the Dragon Dance.
Written 2-14-2015