Yoshitoshi's 100 Aspects of the Moon
A Haibun Collection
Fox-Trot-9

2: Chang'e Flees to the Moon

Looking down, I remember what I did. We were once immortal, you and I, brought low together into the bondage that is the mortal world on earth. Through your efforts, you brought back the elixir of immortality, encapsulated in a pill, enclosed in a case of jade. Curiosity got the better of me, and my selfishness exiled me to this faraway place, leaving you behind. But do not weep, my love.

Look upon the moon
When you yearn to touch my face—
Full moon of your dreams.

(To be continued...)

A/N: Picture printed in October 1885. It depicts Chang'e being carried by clouds towards the moon. The image is based on a Chinese legend, in which the Queen Mother of the West rewarded the husband of Chang'e with the elixir of immortality; but she stole and drank it and fled to heaven where she became the spirit of the moon.