The Moon Maiden

Gold cherry
Poem of the week

By marandina

Wed, 20 Mar 2024
  • 3102 reads
21 comments
 

This poem is based on a Japanese folktale about a childless couple – a bamboo cutter and his wife – who are given an infant by the Moon Maiden. It is an ancient tale of love and loss. 

 

The Moon Maiden

Cherry blossom strung

like curtains across Fuji,

crimson clouds,

petals skittering on  

billowing Eastern skies.

 

What worth has life

if marriage spawns

no children?

Answers sit with Gods

to doubts cast by mortals.

 

His sacred journey,

wisdom whispered

by butterflies on mountains;

guiding light to

fronds and foundling.

 

They took the nursling

and raised her

an ordinary woman,

happy days to joyful months,

years befell familial bliss.

 

Time fades all to dust,

sepia sunsets at pale dusks,

so the Maiden came for her

over the Bridge of Light

to return to mystic shadow.

 

When a silvery moon shines

brighter than ubiquitous constellations,

tears of a once neonate

can be seen in ponds and marshes.

Archipelagos of lost love.

 

Folktale at: https://www.dltk-kids.com/world/japan/moon-maiden/story.htm

 

Image free to use at: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_Fuji_from_Omiya_by_Kusakab...

Certificate U
Poem
Miscellaneous Poems
Spiritual

Comments

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

Some stunning imagery in this marandina - wonderful! My Instagram feed is crammed with all the beautiful Japanese cherry blossom right now, it's amazing!

oddly though, the image you chose isn't showing?

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks insert - glad you liked it. Image sorted now. Beautiful Mount Fuji.

 

Submitted by celticman on

ah, we always come back for our own. The moon lent its son. 

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading, CM. Yeah...daughter went out on loan then got recalled back to the parent club. These things happen.

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for the cherries, Eds. Much appreciated :)

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

The 'loaned child'. The 'gift' seems to be appreciated though temporary.

It reminded me of some Welsh folk tales of my youth. But the fairies in them (life-size and very human-looking) always seemed rather capricious and even malicious at times, though often seeming to be nice and helpful at first. I suppose a bit like goblins. That doesn't seem to be so here! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for reading it, Rhiannon. And for the thoughtful comment. Yes, it's a sanguine tale enshrined in Japanese folklore and culture. Bitter sweet and adorned in metaphor. I so want to visit that part of the world one day. 

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Mysterious is the silver moon. You bring her to life with this slightly heartbreaking but beautifully crafted poem Paul.

Jenny.

 

 

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks for the kind words, Jenny, Yes, it is a heartbreaker but intended as a fable. A Japanese fable, of course.

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

This magical poem from Marandina is Pick of the Day! Please do share if you can

 

Submitted by marandina on

Oh thanks very much, Di!

Honoured and humbled. Chuffed that folks like this one :)

 

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

Magical I agree and fitting to its land of origin. I would love to visit, the gardens alone look wonderful. The idea of a Moon Maiden is more inspiring than the man on the moon or the idea of it being made of cheese..laugh. 

 

Submitted by marandina on

Thanks Jane. There is much magic in Japan and many ornamental gardens.

I think there are landings on the moon due imminently. Maybe the made of cheese story will finally be validated :) 

 

Submitted by Ewan on

 Well done.

Please share fellow ABCTalers.

Author Page at the 'Zon
 

Submitted by marandina on

Oh that's wonderful. Thank you, Ewan! Paul 

 

Submitted by Kris on

You're on a role Paul... past month or so, Hot* Churn' & Burn'n, key board smoke'n high grade content in a wide range 'whoa'... What ever you're eat'n or drink'n or do'n.... keep it up man* yes

 

Submitted by marandina on

Cheers, Kris. I try, we all try. Thanks for your support. It's genuinely appreciated. 

 

Submitted by D G Moody on

A delightful poem. I first read the moon maiden story you gave as a link; and then the poem worked even more for me. The language and imagery evoked a Japanese feeling; congratulations Paul

Dougie Moody

Submitted by marandina on

Ah thanks, Dougie. That's a good way to do it. I love folktales and most other things from Japan. It's a beguiling country. 

 

Submitted by Turlough on

I really like your final verse.

There's a big moon in the sky tonight (it was full last night) and we've a large patch of bamboo growing in our garden. I'm going out to have a look. If I come back with a neonate it's all your fault.

Turlough

Submitted by marandina on

Cheers, T. As long as your gaze at the moon wasn't preceded by a drink at The Slaughtered Lamb and a stroll on the moors...