“My Parent's View from Liaodong Peninsula” by Michael Hong

Image by wirestock on Freepik

Shine on us, O Teardrop Sun

the working days have just begun

your lonesome clouds and crimson skies

are a fortune’s worth for weary eyes

For us, the Eastern Sea’s alive

a stalwart heart and West Winds guide

how few the seeds we’ll need to sow

in the land where golden rivers flow

And somber, we leave the family grave

the shores unseen will hold our faith

although we’ll scarcely meet again

the ocean wave’s a common friend

Think of the children in a hundred years’ time

for them I heartily swallow my life

our hands outstretched on opposite shores

how fleeting, the dreams of our lives—nevermore

Shine along, O Teardrop Sun

the fields of labor are hardly done

so retire and wallow in our poor love

and somewhere, sometime, we’ll be enough

Michael Hong is a freshman double majoring in English Language and Literature & Communication and Media, with a minor in Environment. He loves Chinese food, playing the cello, fantasy and sci-fi books, dancing, and, of course, poetry.

Instagram handle: @michael_hong8