The Lantern Makers

As the leaves begin to turn, and the
end of October nears,
the whispers begin.
Fragments at first, then clearer:

‘I wonder what they’ll make this year…’

Legend has it, they started small –
balloon popped inside papier-mache – but,
inspired by a Viking ship that was made,
they began to dream bigger.

Pioneers of making, of trying
new things – a race car
that you could actually stand in
or Dumbo, designed with ears that moved.

Each lantern, a labour of love –
weekends blocked out for the entire month,
family invited, ideas drawn up and measurements planned.
Many hands are needed to gather the willow
from years gone by – giving old rods
a new lease of life.
Stacks of tissue pasted painstakingly.
Dried glue peeled from fingers,
a form of therapy.

Deep breaths needed through
trickier times, but before long it becomes
something recognisable.

A manifestation of colour and light.

Ready to be shared
with excited faces, anticipating
what has been created.
Eyes widening with surprise and delight
as it makes its way into the night
and snakes down the streets,
for the customary photo by the Christmas tree.

It’s said that the murmurs are starting already:

‘I wonder what next year’s lantern will be…’