Silent wishes

Ancestral "lanterns" at Jogyesa Temple, Seoul, Korea

once upon a time, there was a little girl
who thought the world of her grandfather
she'd sit by his knee every afternoon
and listen intently to his stories as he chewed on betel nuts
ocassionally, she'd help herself to one too

in their years together, he taught her many things
.. traditional burmese customs
.. Buddhist teachings
.. playing the guitar
.. kickboxing
but above all, he taught her how to be a good person

one day, he left suddenly
she didn't get to say goodbye
she waited and waited for him to come to her in her dreams
but he never did

it's been 20 years
still, she waits ..

and whenever she sees the north star at night, she thinks it's him watching over her
each time, it strengthens her resolve to be a good person, one he'd be proud of

i miss you grandpa
and i'll always be that little girl who worships you