
Brushing cobwebs from inkstone
as Chang’e urges, dark pools brimming,
I transcribe.
Dearest Hou Yi,
With only dust for company
I beg return me your apple
cheeks and fearless aim.
Please forgive me,
Yours only.
Sealed with blood and wax,
dragon wings toward Tian.

top image (woodcut print) “Chang’e Flees to the Moon,” by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
bottom image “Chinese carved inkstone” link
learn more about Chang’e here
Tian is heaven
I am today’s host for dVerse’ Quadrille Monday. I say:
write a quadrille (poem of exactly 44 words, minus title) using any form of brush.

Admiring how this is a dramatic story with a few verses. Love that short letter, amplifying life & death. Thanks for hosting the Q!
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Grace, thank you very much. I really wonder where these poems come from sometimes.
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I love the form, a little story that begs for more.
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Love the comment, thank you <3
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you swept aside everything but the best of words here Lisa – the love letter is so very touching
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<3 Thank you, Laura.
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I love your creativity here. And I love the woodcut print you included.
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Glad they pleased you. Thanks!
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You’re welcome.😊
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Stunning image and yes a lot of drama in a few words.
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I imagine Chang’e, trapped on the moon, lonely because of her own actions. Thank you.
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This reads like an authentic adaptation!
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It’s funny how myth often reflects real life, just like the moon reflects sunlight. Thank you, Jane <3
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I always think that myth is real life :)
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Fantaastico! And thanks for hosting.
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Ron, thanks! My pleasure on hosting.
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Wow!!! Nice one
Much💛love
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Thank you very much, Gillena :)
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Gillena, just tried to comment on your wonderful legend poem and it will not let me do it. I tried commenting on one of your poems last week and it did the same thing. I click on the ‘sign in with google’ blue button which should allow me to comment but nothing happens. Very frustrating!
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I haven’t been able to comment on Gillen’s blog for many many months. (K)
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It’s hit or miss for me. Sometimes I can comment using my blogger account, but a lot of times that isn’t even an option :(
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This is nice, Lisa, a neat little note. I liked your “‘brushing’ the cobwebs FROM . . . ” while I was “‘brushing’ the cobwebs” TO MAKE THEM shine, for Halloween. :) One man’s poison is another man’s candy.
..
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haha! :)
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Cobwebs to dragon wings…I like that circle. (K)
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ha! :) <3
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What a creative poem, Lisa. Very well done.
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Thanks, Dwight. I like how it turned out.
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You are welcome.
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An amazing poem Li.
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Thank you :)
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You’re welcome ☺️
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Very nicely done! A great prompt by the way Lisa!
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Thank you very much Carol, glad you enjoyed them :)
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A creative quadrille – the little note turns it into a story poem. Fascinating.
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Truedessa I’m glad you found it fascinating :)
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Wonderfully exotic Lisa. I am watching you blossoming as a poet my friend. Becoming more bold and embracing — it makes me happy… 🙂✌🏼🫶🏼
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Rob, you’re making me blush. It’s been a long, red road. Thank you. <3
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I love this so much Lisa. It’s like a love letter! Well done!
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Colleen, thank you. This one is special to me.
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It’s wonderful.
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And this lovely poetic story begs for more… answers are rarely forthcoming in such cases, however.
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Dale, thank you. If you follow those links you may get some of the answers you seek…
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:)
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This is next level storytelling and cleverness, Lisa… I would never have thought to attempt something like this… I adore it!
Much love,
David
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David, so pleased you enjoyed the offering, thank you <3
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An exquisite offering! I love when you educate us.
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Helen, I’m happy to share their love story <3
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Sorry I missed this… this one is very creative…not a simple one.
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Max, thank you. Some myths speak to me and this one did.
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I had to go over it a few times. I’m trying to catch on…these are the ones that usually flow really well.
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Beautiful
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