Welcoming the tiger

Winter solstice had passed,
signifying the end of the year comes near.
It is just a few weeks away,
for the end of the winter.

It is about time,
for the ox to leave.
The tiger will come soon,
to take over the spot.

Families gather around,
reuniting with family members,
waiting for the end of the year,
the coming of the tiger.

The last day of the year had come,
the ox slowly walks away.
It is about time,
for the last meal of the year.

The gong strikes,
the parade starts.
It is the hour of the dog,
a few more hour to midnight.

Flame dances in the sky,
gun powder could be smelt.
The crowd watched the colorful sky in awe.
The hour of pig had come.

The gong strikes,
the hour of rat had come,
signifying the change of day.
The tiger is coming!

The burst of firecrackers signaling the coming of the tiger,
the king of the beast, a symbol of power.
The ox had gone, the tiger had taken its spot.
A new beginning of the year, the start of spring.