Funambulism

By Evan Kim

To me living in this world

The only thing I can rely on is a thin line

Put a pole on my arm

I'm walking at a risk

I'm in a hurry lest I fall

I stumbled once or twice

Should I come down because I’m afraid?

I thought about it three or four times

Somehow I’d be still walking

Once I got quite balanced

And have peace of mind

Only then did I see the audience.

countless people surrounding me

I get scared of the gaze

And was about to come down slowly

It's too late to give up now

I wonder if it's too late

I made up my mind again

I can afford it again

Now I feel like showing off

Tightrope walking once or twice

Perform tricks three or four times

Before I knew it, it was getting pretty hard.

When I finally get tired and have to come down

I must

It was a great stunt.

Come down with applause

Reminiscing About my Hometown - Yunnan

By Gabriel Wan

Yunnan, aptly named the southern lands of vibrant colors, embodies a beauty that surpasses even its poetic title. As my birthplace, it holds a special place in my heart. However, having grown up in various parts of the world, Yunnan is now a delightful blend of familiarity and novelty. The province, like a cherished painting, remains a canvas of memories from my childhood, fading as time gently unfolds its pages. 

My first vibrant memory of the provice was during the summer before grade 10, as my mother and I returned to our hometown. Upon arrival, a gust of cool and refreshing breeze brushed through my face, releaving all torridity and vexations of the summer. My sprits were lifted as fatigue fades instantly. 

My mother arranged for a diving training class that took place at the picturesque Fuxian Lake, nestled 70 kilometers away from Kunming. This stunning lake is embraced by majestic mountains, and our journey in a station wagon gracefully meandered down countryside. Peering out of the car window, the view unfolded with distant mountain vistas and colorful clouds painting the sky, casting enchanting reflections on the crystal-clear lake. As we approached, the nearby hillside adorned itself with a profusion of flowers, creating a scene that felt like stepping into another world. Fuxian Lake, boasting a vast expanse of 211 square kilometers, a water storage of 20.6 billion cubic meters, and a maximum depth of 155 meters, stands as one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. Its pristine water quality adheres to international drinking standards. Submerging into the depths of the lake during each dive, the underwater world unfolds with a kaleidoscope of aquatic plants, unique fish, shellfish, and stones. Interacting with these captivating creatures becomes an endless source of joy and fascination. The experience at Fuxian Lake transcends the ordinary, offering a journey into a realm where nature's beauty and aquatic wonders converge. 

Time flew by, and after mastering the art of diving, our next destination was the mystical sanctuary that had always danced through my dreams - Meili Snow Mountain. Nestled in Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture of the Yunnan Province, this unassailable peak remains untouched by human conquest. Truely a luminous and enigmatic gem on the snowy plateau; its average altitude surpasses 3,500 meters. Adorned with 13 main peaks, the highest, Kawagbo, reigns at an elevation of 6,740 meters above sea level, perpetually embraced by a swirl of colorful clouds, revealing its true face to only a fortunate few. Upon reaching the mountain's base, we found solace in a quaint B&B. The locals shared a local belief with me – catching a glimpse of Kawagbo Peak is a rare and auspicious event, an occurrence that even frequent visitors may miss. Undeterred, we set off to the viewing area early the next morning. As we observed Kawagbo Peak in the distance, shrouded in clouds and mist, a sense of disappointment washed over me. Yet, in an unexpected turn, the clouds dispersed swiftly, vanishing in the blink of an eye. Under the gentle caress of sunlight, the golden main peak emerged, a sight of unparalleled beauty and majesty. Standing there, humbled and grateful for the extraordinary moment, I knew that fortune had smiled upon me.

What an enchanting land, my hometown. In the brief visit, I was bestowed with countless priceless memories. The magic and beauty reside in the diverse cultures, languages, and the intricate tapestry of climate and geography, seamlessly interwoven, making each day of the visit brim with awe and surprises.

Love, Lose, Learn

By Celine A.

Lena was a girl who had always radiated joy and positivity. Her smile could light up a room. But life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and Lena was about to experience the darkest chapter of her life.

In a cruel twist of fate, Lena lost both her boyfriend and her mother in the same month. It was as if the universe had conspired against her, tearing away the two most important people in her life. The pain that consumed her was unbearable, and she found herself drowning in a sea of sorrow. The loss was so profound that Lena's world crumbled around her. She withdrew from everything and everyone, including herself. She neglected her own well-being, forgetting to eat, sleep, and take care of herself. The weight of her grief became suffocating, and she couldn't bear the thought of facing another day. Dark thoughts crept into Lena's mind, whispering lies that death was the only way out of her anguish. She believed that life had lost all meaning, that happiness was forever beyond her reach. The once vibrant girl now felt like an empty shell, trapped in a never-ending nightmare. But just when Lena was teetering on the edge of despair, a glimmer of hope emerged. She met a therapist who saw beyond her broken exterior and recognized her pain. With gentle guidance and unwavering support, the therapist helped Lena navigate the labyrinth of her grief. Through countless therapy sessions, Lena began to realize that life was a fragile and precious gift. She understood that even in the face of tragedy, there were still moments worth cherishing and fighting for. Although the scars of loss would forever remain etched upon her heart, Lena discovered that healing was possible. Step by painful step, Lena started to rebuild herself. She forced herself to go for walks, even when her legs felt heavy with sorrow. She reached out to old friends, seeking solace in their familiar presence. Slowly but surely, Lena's depression began to lift, revealing a glimmer of light that had long been absent. Lena knew that she would never fully forget the pain of losing her loved ones. The wounds were deep, and the scars were a constant reminder of what she had endured. But she also knew that she possessed a strength within her that enabled her to move forward.

In the depths of tragedy, Lena discovered a newfound appreciation for life's fleeting moments. She learned to value every smile, every laugh, and every tear because they were all part of the beautifully fragile tapestry of existence.