Today is Tet,

the first day

of the lunar calendar 

Every Tet

We eat sugary lotus seeds

And glutinous rice cake. 

We wear all new clothes,

even underneath. 

Mother warns

How we act today 

foretells the whole year. 

Everyone must smile

no matter how we feel. 

No one can sweep,

For why sweep away hope,

No one can splash water,

for why splash away joy?