
From lore to legend
Through fables and myths construed
I’ve endured it all
Is it true I’m dark as sin
Noir and deep as emotion
So much has been said about who I am. So little of who I truly am remains.
In the middle ages, it was said that I was a witch, shifted to prowl the night and curse my enemies.
I laugh at this and yet I cannot recall, for I have seen through the Gifted’s eye.
My sight plunges into the depths of souls, and my instinct speaks as loud as the enemy’s howl upon a full moon night.
How is it that I can always tell what’s benign and what is sinister?
Who am I really?
Once in far-east Japan I was honoured and treasured, thought to help single ladies find worthy suitors.
I smile at this for I’ve always known that this glistening coat of fur, dark and beautiful as onyx, could never have been a curse.
And yet many fear me. Many have sought to put me down, seen my difference and labelled it evil.
Am I really what they say?
Noir and deep as emotion
Is it true I’m dark as sin
I’ve endured it all
Through fables and myths construed
From lore to legend
I am who I am
I enjoyed writing this from the feline’s point of view, I hope you enjoy reading it too.
Sometimes we let what people say about us define us. Nobody but you has the power to define you.
P.S , I hope you notice that the bold bit of poetry at the end is actually the tanka poem i used at the beginning, but in reverse.(a perk of the tanka poetic form)
Stay safe, stay inclusive.
64 responses to “Who Am I? #haibun”
Wonderful piece!
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Thank you so much. I’m glad you appreciate it
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This is a very clever and brilliant piece Jude…
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Thank you Michelle, I hope you enjoyed it 🌸
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Lovely post, Jude… and loved the reverse twist at the end!
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Thank you so much Jayne, I’m glad you like and appreciate this
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This is lovely, Jude… and clever too. Of course, I was immediately drawn to the little cat pic, anyway!
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Yeah, the adorableness seems to ensnare most. I’m not a cat person but I don’t have anything against them either
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These poor things have suffered so much because of the ignorance of people. They are innocent and can’t protect themselves. Lovely post and tanka, in both orders 😊
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Thank you. Yeah I heard some shelters don’t even take black cats
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What a wonderful poem, and from a car’s perspective too.
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Thank you so much Sadje🌸🌼
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You’re welcome Jude
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I’m at a loss of words here, but this is a brilliant piece. I loved reading it 😊
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Thank you so much Roshni.🌸🌼🌷 I’m glad you like it
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Love the reversed tanka. Perfect!
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Thank you Sue, I’m happy you appreciate this
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Great piece!!!!
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Thank you 🌼🌸
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A great combination of legend and mystery. (K)
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Thank you K, glad you like it
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Excellent formatting!
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Thank you Reena 🌸🌼
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Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
Who am I ? A haibun with Tanka reversed …. by Jude
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Thank you so much Reena. I’m honoured
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Nice job! Creative!
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Thank you so much 🙏🏾
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It is always fun to try and write from the purr-spective of something that does not communicate humanly. 😉
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Haha, yes, very much so 😉
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Hi, Jude! I enjoyed this post very much! It was fun reading the kitty’s pov. Very creative. 😀 xo
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Thank you Vashti 🌼 I’m glad you like it and happy to see you reading 🌼
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This is a lively, bittersweet expression of the cultural life of the black cat. Poor cats–they simply should be loved. Great work!
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Thank you so much. Yeah they don’t deserve the discrimination they get
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[…] I saw how Jude at Tales Told Different reversed the order of his tanka lines to make a new and complementary poem, I decided to try it […]
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Thank you so much for the mention K. Ive been over and seen your post
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amazing work
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Thank you 🌼
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I thoroughly enjoyed this, Jude–and especially how you reversed the tanka at the end. Though I’ve loved all my animal companions, and I know they talk, I’m not usually a fan of tales told by animals, but I did like this one.
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Thank you so much Merrill,🌸🌼 I had to be careful not to presume too much and still induce some empathy
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😀
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Wow! Brilliant writing, Jude. I love your creativity.
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Thank you Eugenia. I’m humbled by the compliment
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You’re welcome!
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This is a brilliant piece of writing, Jude. Very creative. 🙂
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Thank you so much Kitty 🌼🌸
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You are welcome, Jude. 🙂
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I absolutely adore this tribute to Freya, Jude. It’s spectacular!! ❤
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Thank you Colleen
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A lovely read. A nice point of view. 😊
Pat
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Thank you kindly 😊
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This sounds like what I always imagine my cat is thinking…
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Haha such a ponderous one it must be 😊
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Lol indeed it is!
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😁
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You have done well with this prompt, Jude. I love the slightly sinister undertone that runs through your poetry.
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Thank you Roberta, I’m glad you noticed it, it’s improbable to find something completely and utterly flawless in this world so I think that undertone is fitting. However it is not impossible so we can definitely dream
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It makes your poems unique to you, Jude. YOu are very talented.
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Wow, I’m honored. Thank you so much
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Beautiful work! 👏👏👏
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Thank you so much Michaela 🌸
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Jude, even better the second time around and perfect response to the prompt! Plus, I think it is a superb idea to pull from our archives because otherwise our hard work just sits and collects dust.
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Thank you so much Eugi. I agree with you 🌷
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Most welcome, Jude!😊
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[…] Who Am I? #haibun – tales told different […]
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