Shikanoko
the deer’s child, honed by
light and dark sorcery
deep in the dark wood
love of the Autumn Princess
his undoing and long sorrow
lady Hina’s love his salvation
with five magical, imp sons
two became his bane
would have to deal with in time
while his sixth human son
imp and Tengu trained
his champion soon became
and daughers? perhaps…
the tale does not say
suggests so, but not today
pawns in heaven’s games
stones on the board of
the Tengu’s game of Go
–LE
PS: This was inspired by Lian Hearn’s four short volumes story, The Tale of Shikanoko which includes: The Emperor of the Eight Islands; Autumn Princess, Dragon Child; Lord of the Dark Wood; and The Tengu’s Game of Go.
CynOp 
8 responses to “Shikanoko”
I had to look up (not for the first time) names in your poem to give me reference. You must be very well read, Liam. I’m familiar with Greek and Roman mythology, and Norse, to a lesser extent. I’ve never delved into Japanese mythology, nor Chinese, the closest I’ve come to either the old “Kung Fu” tv show…lol. It’s easier to understand a poem when you know what the hell the poet is writing about. 😆
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This poem and others with similar names not commonly bandied about are an attempt to attract interest in those with similar tastes even if the names are unfamiliar to most.
‘Well read’? Not sure about that, but I have read lots of Western and Eastern philosophy and mythology. Yes, Greek, Roman, and Norse, like you have, but also East Indian, Native American, Celtic, and Middle Eastern. Most of us are familiar with Jewish mythology by way of the Old Testament or, as it is known among, practicing Jews, the Torah. I’m no scholar, but have dabbled among them for decades… (in my ‘spare’ time – when not trying to earn a living, playing out my paternal obligations while also advancing my career in martial arts). But yes, Kate, this and others I’ve written like it are meant to encourage inquiry
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Well, you got your desired aim, at least with me. 😊
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Any of the novels of Lian Hearn are a good entrance into mythical and feudal Japan. Her fantasy and mythical stories captivated me from my first reading (by accident back in the early aughts)… I was substitute teaching an English class at Ravenna High School, and someone had left ‘Across the Nightingale Floor’ on the teacher’s desk. I started reading it between classes and was lost in it. So, when I got home, I ordered it from Amazon… and that journey began…; -)
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I’m not familiar with that author. I’m more into science fiction than fantasy, though the two overlap sometimes. My favorite sub-genre is post apocalyptic fiction. I’m also fond of fiction with alien cultures featured. Octavia Butler is my favorite author in that field.
Now you know why I think you are well-read…you read widely, and thought I read a little nonfiction, it’s not much. I just want to be entertained.
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I’ve always found ‘post apocalyptic’ pretty depressing… too much like realtiy… For me to be entertained, I lean more toware fantacy, thouth I do like Scifi that gives me even a modicum of hope for the future, like Heinline’s ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’, and even Dune…; -)
Yes, I have read a variety of things over my lifetime…; -)
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I read “Stranger in a Strange Land” many years ago and enjoyed it immensely. After all these years, I still remember the basic plot. Have you read “The Martian Chronicles”? I reread it not too long back. About half my reading falls into the mystery/crime-drama/psychological suspense genres. I guess I must enjoy reading about the darker side of life…have always been that way. And the books don’t depress me nor lift me up, just entertain.
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Yes, I read The Martian Chronicles around the first time I read ‘Stranger…’. Another from that time that drew me in was Asimov’s Fondation Trilogy… Also, David Lindsey’s Voyage To Arcturus. I’ve read most of Heinline’s catalog, to name but a few…
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