Happy New Birth!

by James Mar

"The New Year is coming! 
The New Year is coming!"

"Clean the house!  Sweep the kitchen floors! 
Decorate the walls!  Do your chores!"

"I really can't believe it's almost here.
In less than two weeks, it's Chinese New Year!"

It's also the time when my mommy's expecting.
My daddy's so worried, he's always protecting. 

"Don't strain yourself honey.  Just leave things to me.
Do you want a pillow?  Would you like some tea?"

Both me and my daddy doubled up on our chores.  
From washing, to cooking, to shopping in stores.

We've handled things before but this is kind of new.
"There's so much more to prepare and so much to do!"

"Cathy my dear, do calm yourself down. 
We can go shopping in Chinatown."

"Oh no you don't, Jane.  Just you relax.
Cathy and I will pick up your tracks." 

"There's no reason to worry.  We know what to do.
We'll buy pomelos, tangerines, and eggs for you."

"We'll make you a splendid feast, by Cathy and me.
Just wait 'til the New Year arrives, you'll surely see..."

POP!  POP!  POP!  CLANG!  CLANG!  CLANG!
THUM!  THUM!  THUM!  BANG!  BANG!  BANG!

"The New Year is here!
The New Year is here!"

"Gung Hei!  Gung Hei!  Gung hei fat choi!"
Hooray!  Hooray!  Bring riches and joy!

"Sun nin fai lok!  Happy new year!"
Everybody celebrate!  Everybody cheer!

New Year's Eve came sooner than expected.
There were many things that we neglected.

"Oh why did I decide to make the family meal?
Everything's overcooked!  It's not an easy deal."

Steamed fish, chicken, dumplings, New Year's cake.
Noodles, lettuce, oysters, New York steak?

"Daddy! Daddy!  Where's my lei si?
How much money did you give me?"

"Cathy, now is not the right time.
Sit down, or I won't give a dime."

"Jane, I'm sorry this dinner turned out all wrong.
I intended good but I cooked it too long."

"I thought I could make a feast on my own.
But I'm no master chef.  I should've known..."

"Oh my goodness!  Ken, I think it's time!
I know this moment!  The baby's prime!"

"The baby is coming!
The baby is coming!"

"Cathy, hush!!  Go take mommy to the car!
Daddy'll be right down.  I won't go far!"

We rushed to the hospital as fast as we could.
Lucky for us, everything happened as it should.

Mommy gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
Everyone adored him; our bundle of joy.

"The baby is here.
The baby is here."

"Jane I love you.  Cathy, you are so dear.
This has truly been a special New Year."

"My husband, my daughter, I love you two so very much.
For all your worries and troubles are worth a baby's touch." 

That night I didn't get to eat, I didn't get any money,
I didn't see many fireworks, and it really wasn't funny.

But I got myself a new baby brother.
And I still loved my family like no other.