Brunei Lion Dance Poem by Janice Windle

Listen! Listen!
Nearer, farther,
a distant wave
ebbing, swelling,
a giant’s heartbeat
the drums, drums
are coming closer
the Lion Dance is out today
black-slippered feet
under the Lion
swaying
shaking
dancing.

The Lion is out tonight
in the Kedai
the children awestruck
clutching angpows,
a little afraid
of the red and gold
tinsel mouth, wide yawn
ready to absorb dollars
that the Lion reaches for
up to the top floors
of the little shuttered shops
merchants buying
next year’s profits
from the Lion’s mouth

and fate is feted in the Brunei Lion’s grin
and giving is the way to welcome New Year in.