Get Your Premium Membership

Ballad of the Sun and Moon

Poet's Notes
(Show)

Become a Premium Member and post notes and photos about your poem like Vanya Evangeline.


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. 


 

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 has 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




Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 3/5/2025 9:07:00 AM
Captivating legend, great flow.
Login to Reply

Book: Reflection on the Important Things