Poetry
Sumida and Tsukimi Moon
Rebecca Weigold
issue four
After Evening Cool on the Sumida River, Eijiro Kobayashi (Japan) 1920
Moon dangles poetic as akoya on a string of
twilight branches. Yakatabune pushes away
from the dock: tea house sandalwood yields to
scent of salt and fish. The pleasure boat
leans into the arms of Sumida, welcomes her
watery embrace. The wood vessel creaks, joins
the company of ayu and sea bass, ripples through
the nodding light of shrines and temples.
Paper lanterns illuminate geisha’s face of white
lotus, dramatic crimson lips that tell of folklore,
recite poetry. Her delicate fingers pluck shamisen
strings as guests chat over stewed sweetfish
and rice. Gentle waves slosh near the stone path
where shorebirds gather and lovers stroll.
The locals sip green tea, lift their yunomi cups to
the rabbit in the moon. The river settles into
September’s mist as bell crickets chime their
autumn anthems. Dusk drags into night when
the moon becomes sweet and doughy daifuku.
Everyone takes a bite. Sumida sings a lullaby
to summer as it nestles against her familiar bosom,
drifts toward the coming long sleep.
About the Author
Rebecca Weigold studied Theatre and English, specializing in poetry, at Northern Kentucky University. She has held positions including Editorial Assistant at F&W Publications in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Editor at ITP/Southwestern Educational Publishing, also based in Cincinnati. Her poetry has been featured in or is forthcoming in publications such as BlazeVox, The Ekphrastic Review, Rat’s Ass Review, Tipton Poetry Journal, The Tishman Review, and others. She is a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee. Additionally, she is proud to have participated in the renowned Uptown Poetry Slam on multiple occasions, hosted by Marc Smith at the historic Green Mill in Chicago.
Leave a Reply