The moon came into the cloudless night
In her garb of flowing silver.
The small boy stares at her
Through the still air
The moon waves her gentle arms
Dancing to a silent song
“O Moon, you must run away!
If the serpent comes,
It will find you
And swallow you whole!”
“Let me do my dance
And have me enjoy this quiet evening
Fear not, child,
For nothing could ever swallow me.”
“Mistress moon, please listen
I can feel the serpent’s presence
Already is it growing dark!”
“I will continue my dance
With the stars as my partners
Leave us be.”
The serpent coils
Closer and closer
The boy is standing on the edge
His eyes are closed
Through the night it comes
Faster than a shadow
Its eyes glistening
At its prize
How the nightbirds cry!
The moon is trapped in the sky
And the child weeps
His throat grows hoarse
But his shouts are not heard
The moon weeps silver tears
That fall into the sea
Shadows make their new home
Across the horizon
And a lone child cries
At the edge of the world
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Written by Karl Gaverza
Copyright © Karl Gaverza
Poem inspired by the Bakunawa myths
Bakunawa Illustration by Patato Doodles
