Notes About The Poem

A retelling of a Japanese mythology recounted by the Nihon Shoki, in which the moon god, Tsukuyomi, was sent by his sister/wife, the sun goddess, Amaterasu, to visit Earth. He was welcomed by the goddess of harvest, Uke-mochi, who began to prepare food in such a disgusting manner that Tsukuyomi got offended and killed her. When Amaterasu heard of this, she banished Tsukuyomi, resulting in the separation of day and night.

I changed some details of the story to allegorize the themes of sin, guilt, and the yearning for redemption, although these changes are not completely without textual basis. In several other tales in Japanese mythology, Uke-mochi is often associated with or is identical to Inari, the deity of agriculture and of foxes. Kitsune (Sky Fox) is another prominent character in Japanese folklore. They are masters of illusions--usually benevolent but can also be malicious (it depends on the story)-- and serve as an allegory of temptation in this ballad. 


 

Ballad of the Sun and Moon

Come and hear this story of old…
This legend carved in stone
When all the land was gilded gold
When day and night were one

The world had seen no darkness then
And all that lived were bright
The Sun and Moon reigned side by side
Drawn by each other's light

But then the Sky Fox came in sight;
Arriving from the East
With promises of wine and meat
She brought a call to feast

So the Moon ventured to her land,
Made merry with her goods
Spellbound by figments of delights
He thought her dross were food

And once the Fox had played her game
She let the mirage fall
Mocking her guest for his folly
She's caught him in her thrall

The Moon, enraged by this deceit,
Then struck the vixen dead
But guilt struck back from her torn chest
And marked on him blood-red

The white-hot shame burned scar-like rilles 
Which turned to ice his core
Tar-like spread enveloped the night
The Moon thus shines no more

The sky had since been torn in two
The light of night has gone
Save for one eve, where he would glimpse
Towards the waiting Sun

Silver gleams fell like tears
His beam a pulse to this refrain:
Hoping the Sun and Moon
Will shine together once again
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Dutta Avatar
September 12, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Very Very Nice. I admire. Blessings.
Woods Avatar
March 24, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Wonderful!! And it rhymes! I love this revision of the Japanese legends... you've out done yourself. Ty for sharing this with us! Xo
Evangeline Avatar
March 25, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Thank you! I used a literary ballad form for this (ABCB rhyme scheme; 8-6-8-6 syllable count, except for the last stanza which is reversed). Loved the theme of your contest, btw, and I'm really happy with how this turned out.
Crandall Avatar
March 5, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Captivating legend, great flow.
Evangeline Avatar
March 8, 2025 at 5:17 AM
Thanks David. Japanese history, legends, and folklore are some things I find fascinating. The flow is inspired by Tolkien's "The King Beneath the Mountain".
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