the year of the rat

chinese new year is
here again
the zodiac tells me it
is the year of the rat

so soon we will feast upon
the fish and the rice
and watch the dragon dance
and wish to grow fat

with all prosperity,
longevity and luck,
so we place the lucky signs
and the welcome mat

we bring our host oranges
and don't forget the red packs
for the little ones
who will ask "what's that?"

and soon we will tell them
the story of the big race
and how the cycle has brought
us back to the winner-the rat