The Carp

O how the heavens cried out in alarm
When it fell! Mother Sun reached out her hands to grasp it,
Rays futilely reflecting off
Its gleaming body, now slowly drying.

Father Moon hid his face in grief,
Refusing to come out of the sky.
It had its father’s figure, quick and crescent, and
Its hide was taken from both – Fire and Silver.

Now it laid wasted, its gaping
Mouth and surprised stare vacantly questioning:
How men called it the symbol of wealth, and how now
The flies worshipped it, kissing its cold body

Goodbye.
The next day Sun and Moon took it
From the hard earth and buried it in
The Sky, returning it home at last.