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The Well Maiden
- The Well Maiden -
Based on some of my past-life memories…
I knew a sweet maid once, so long ago it seems,
When in feudal times past, I was adored by her.
She was like a sister to me, beloved to my heart,
And through the centuries, I think we have met…
Sometimes, as poets, but always as dear friends!
In the feudal era of Japan, as the rising sun gleams,
She watched, as by a well we poets met to confer.
I saw her listening enthralled by words of such art,
Which I knew not I could weave, my mind so set…
On humility and honor, which never once offends.
A poet in spirit, with a heart as keen as any blade!
That is how she saw me, and she was not afraid…
Though some said of me things so dark and light,
Which were born from truths revealed in the night.
We had not any love for the Shogun’s harsh rule…
And my words were weapons, so kind and cruel.
I am glad if she does not recall that life in that age,
For the past can bring sorrow, regret, and rage…
At the things, we think, we may have done better.
To remember is a burden that can become bitter!
I remember, the castle you could spot from sea…
Hara, was its’ name, and there we made a stand.
Few against many, with swords and rifles drawn!
The food grew too little, and time was against us.
For our beliefs we perished, a poem in my soul…
I thought once of you, before my spirit went free.
You, sweet maid, who walked across that land…
To fight by my side: to secure our brighter dawn.
All battles must cease, and old swords shall rust!
We are at the mercy of fates no one can control.
Such is the passionate spirit, such as we possess,
And so this small memory, to you I shall confess.
In that long ago life, I thought in a hundred years,
I would return to wash away all my bloody tears.
It would be longer before I could be born anew,
But eventually, my personal prophecy came true.
There were many following my banner’s calling…
Who were with me at Hara as doom was falling!
But I never forget the kind girl I met by the well,
In our quiet, rural village, untouched by any hell.
I wore robes of white, my black hair so flowing,
Behind me, whilst I strode from the ruins of old.
I stood tall before the rising sun even to the last,
Whilst the fires consumed the castle I defended!
The sun set, rising not, on the era we fought for.
When it rose again, the flames were all glowing,
Amidst dolorous ruins where we fought, bold…
Engraved perhaps, on our memories of the past.
Words you wrote of me once, I commended…
Since they reminded me of all that came before.
My katana sword was so sheathed at my side,
As I met dark destiny, with my shoulders wide!
My eyes looked oft to the horizon ere that day,
When Hara Castle fell and many came, to slay.
Like ebony curtains, my hair tumbled on down,
As my head fell with it, to meet a rough ground.
To remember such things, of my own demise…
Is a harder thing, than many people may realize.
To be born again is a blessing and so I savor…
All of life’s joys, every breath and every flavor!
Based on some of my past-life memories…
I knew a sweet maid once, so long ago it seems,
When in feudal times past, I was adored by her.
She was like a sister to me, beloved to my heart,
And through the centuries, I think we have met…
Sometimes, as poets, but always as dear friends!
In the feudal era of Japan, as the rising sun gleams,
She watched, as by a well we poets met to confer.
I saw her listening enthralled by words of such art,
Which I knew not I could weave, my mind so set…
On humility and honor, which never once offends.
A poet in spirit, with a heart as keen as any blade!
That is how she saw me, and she was not afraid…
Though some said of me things so dark and light,
Which were born from truths revealed in the night.
We had not any love for the Shogun’s harsh rule…
And my words were weapons, so kind and cruel.
I am glad if she does not recall that life in that age,
For the past can bring sorrow, regret, and rage…
At the things, we think, we may have done better.
To remember is a burden that can become bitter!
I remember, the castle you could spot from sea…
Hara, was its’ name, and there we made a stand.
Few against many, with swords and rifles drawn!
The food grew too little, and time was against us.
For our beliefs we perished, a poem in my soul…
I thought once of you, before my spirit went free.
You, sweet maid, who walked across that land…
To fight by my side: to secure our brighter dawn.
All battles must cease, and old swords shall rust!
We are at the mercy of fates no one can control.
Such is the passionate spirit, such as we possess,
And so this small memory, to you I shall confess.
In that long ago life, I thought in a hundred years,
I would return to wash away all my bloody tears.
It would be longer before I could be born anew,
But eventually, my personal prophecy came true.
There were many following my banner’s calling…
Who were with me at Hara as doom was falling!
But I never forget the kind girl I met by the well,
In our quiet, rural village, untouched by any hell.
I wore robes of white, my black hair so flowing,
Behind me, whilst I strode from the ruins of old.
I stood tall before the rising sun even to the last,
Whilst the fires consumed the castle I defended!
The sun set, rising not, on the era we fought for.
When it rose again, the flames were all glowing,
Amidst dolorous ruins where we fought, bold…
Engraved perhaps, on our memories of the past.
Words you wrote of me once, I commended…
Since they reminded me of all that came before.
My katana sword was so sheathed at my side,
As I met dark destiny, with my shoulders wide!
My eyes looked oft to the horizon ere that day,
When Hara Castle fell and many came, to slay.
Like ebony curtains, my hair tumbled on down,
As my head fell with it, to meet a rough ground.
To remember such things, of my own demise…
Is a harder thing, than many people may realize.
To be born again is a blessing and so I savor…
All of life’s joys, every breath and every flavor!
Published 27th Jun 2012
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27th Jun 2012 10:27am
Terrific imagery; A rhyming poem; Iknew more would come, and a story that grabs attention.
28th Jun 2012 10:47am
My thanks, leonardo! It is great to see that you appreciate good rhyme, as well as a good (and very true) story from my own past. I like to write about my memories of my previous incarnations... since I feel it helps to shed light not just on myself but also on those bygone eras in which I lived. Many of which people are certain to find interesting, to say the least! As you correctly noted, such things do indeed grab a reader's attention... and that is very good.
27th Jun 2012 1:06pm
28th Jun 2012 10:35am
Indeed, this was one of my most vivid recollections of having lived (and died) before. My other two recent poems, "Sea and Sparrow" and "My Burning Spirit" are also all about that life I lived. They all focus on different, but related, memories from that time. Recently, I have decided to share them, and so here they are. I am glad that you enjoyed my poem, Grace! It means a lot to me. I think you'll enjoy the other two as well.
28th Jun 2012 10:42am
I read all your poems, Jessica. I just don't comment because I feel so inadequate at times. And I do enjoy them.
I know you enjoy them, my dear friend. And that makes me very happy indeed! :)
