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My Turn
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From The Asian Reporter, V18, #6 (February 5, 2008), page 6.
The Year of the Adorable Rodent
In honor of the season, I thought I’d devote this column to the Lunar New Year. As with other columns celebrating the New Year, I thought a festive poem might be in order. Unfortunately, I’m having some problems with it.
My main concern (and I could see it coming) is I’m having a hard time waxing poetic about the animal we are celebrating this year.
You see, this year is the Year of the Rat.
To give the Rat its due, I did some research and the Rat is highly regarded in its place in the lunar zodiac. The Rat is active, pleasant, and quick to see opportunities. They are sociable, family minded … and able to withstand global thermonuclear explosions.
OK, I threw that last part in, and therein lies my problem. Wait, instead of explaining it, why don’t I just show you the poem. I call it "Ode to Rat."
Ode to Rat
By Wayne Chan
Oh, blessed Rat, so misunderstood,
One thing to avoid, I know I would
You scuttle away, scampering here and there,
With your long bare tail, and scrubby gray hair
You’re honored this year, and while that might seem screwy,
You weren’t half bad in the film Ratatouille.
Perhaps there’s more to you, than pestilence and fleas,
After all, you do have a penchant for a nice fine cheese.
They say at a party, you’re the center of attention,
How you end up being invited, is beyond comprehension.
They say that beauty is only skin deep,
Yet from what I’ve seen, that’s a pretty big leap.
So here we are, in the Year of the Rat.
And from what I’ve been told, you really are all that.
I’ll give you your props, but I don’t want to be vague,
This may be your year, just don’t give us the plague.
This is not exactly a poem I’d likely submit to Readers Digest, if you know what I mean.
I’m not sure, but it might be the first time anyone has ever incorporated the words "pestilence" and "plague" in a poem.
Seriously though, as with every Lunar New Year, it’s a time to appreciate what you have in your life and to look forward to the blessings of a new year. Happy New Year to you and your family, and may a year of health and happiness be right around the corner.