Shadows on the Moon (in progress)

This is an in-progress collection of poems inspired by mythological stories involving the moon. Four of the poems are complete.

I. Tecciztecatl

I wonder if the moon
still feels things like
love and shame and loss and sorrow.
If I threw my heart into a bonfire
could it rise above this all?
Only there’s a problem:
there already is a moon
(and everybody loves her)
so surely everyone would throw rabbits at me
until my heart was dimmer than ever before.
.
.
.
It must be lonely
to be so cold and far away.
I don’t think I’m ready yet
to feel that numb.

II. Endymion

Oblivion is the world’s sweetest wine
overflowing my senses with honeyed dripping.

I can no longer feel your kisses
atop my closed eyelids.
I am thankful for that, I think.
(help me, mom, i’m scared)
But oh, your love,
it dreams so sweet!

III. Wu Gang

I have risen again,
and the tree has fallen again.

The calluses on my palm say I am being punished,
but I have nothing but thanks for the grace of this anguish.
This futile war gives me purpose,
these scarred hands the mark of a veteran.
One day this victory will be mine
when the ache of my sweat clears this cursed orchard.
The moon will shine unhampered by any shadow,
and they will all be grateful!
for the light I have shined upon them,
and they will all rejoice!
for they will not need— me—
anymore—
(no)

(Is there anything left for me but each waking day?)

I shoulder the flight of a thousand cherry petals
(they love me they love me they love me not)
I make the same wish every time.
Let me wake up tomorrow and still be here.
Let them look up tomorrow and still see me.
I must imagine me happy. I must imagine me happy. I must imagine...

IV. Tsukuyomi

I rose from a mirror
silver just to reflect you.
I have loved you since.

I disgusted you
the day we feasted as one
with earthly crudeness.

Now my damnation
lies in my imperfection
these cursed shadows!

In exile I chase
continually your light
praying for vision.

I wish for closeness,
always waiting for radiance
to grace my left eye.

In you all things glow
for worship is your design
and mine to follow.