Shinto Winter

I worry for the people of Japan
across whose lands
afterwinds still blow.

I worry that her children
dream of reptilian things
grown large and misshapen.

Last night I dreamt
of Fukushima, Shinto demigod.

Fukushima trembled in fear
of the Sun Goddess
Amaterasu, Kami most high
whose light shone in Heaven.

Treacherous Fukushima
stole Amaterasu's necklace
that he might have its power
for himself.

Her necklace gone
the Sun Goddess grew pale.

From his sky perch
Tsukuyomi, god of the moon
ruler of the night
plotted revenge on his sister
Amaterasu, who long ago
cast him into darkness.

From deep within the earth
Izanagi, ancient father
to Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu
awoke in Yomi, the underworld.

It is time, Izanagi thought
to gather my children
and leave the Earth
to everlasting winter.

Oh foolish Fukushima
soon to wear a coat of ice
for a necklace
he did not understand.