moratu
tho very long ago she lived and died
her tribe commemorates her still in song
and wear her name, a symbol of their pride
to this day to Moratu they belong
for once when all the land was filled with night
a maiden rose of humble kin - the same
would lead her folk from darkness unto light
a dark skinned child, Moratu was her name.
tho all her people's skin was pale and fair
her's wore a shade of deep mahogany
and all her tribe blue eyes had, yellow hair.
her own was black, her eyes brown as could be.
for this she was regarded with disgrace
her mother's character the subject of
the vilest gossip - often to her face
no shame felt for her daughter...only love.
the child was daily ridiculed with taunts
from other children, cruel and so unkind.
for solitude she'd flee unto her haunts
and nature was her source for peace of mind.
then once in ancient forests overgrown
while taking solace midst the yew and oak
she heard a whisper coming from a stone
and listened well unto the words it spoke.
each day she would return unto that place
to hear more wisdom from her secret friend
tho she had told her mother, from her face
she knew her mother thought it all pretend.
at times the stories that the stone would tell
seemed histories from very long ago
until the day the stone told of a spell
of evil soon their world would come to know.
Moratu queried what should come to be
both how and why this evil should arise
the stone replied 'like every destiny
a part was sought, despite their alibis
with every act of meanness, spite or greed
no matter noble words to justify
the acts, one reaps of what they've sown, the seed
determines every harvest, by and by.'
the stone fell silent, while Moratu thought
her dark eyes brimming suddenly with tears
she well had learned the lessons nature taught
and knew to mingle hope with all her fears.
then came another voice, but from the sky
in language not of words or sounds but light
with rainbow hues, and asked 'why do you cry?'
she almost couldn't look, it was so bright.
'do you not your own power realize
the goodness in your soul we plainly see
who watch your people grow, and you are wise
and shall redeem and set your people free.'
a vision coursing through her mind displayed
the black of evil soon that would descend
as consequence of choices that were made
then suddenly did revelations end.
but only after showing her the way
to share the love and light within her heart
to make a difference in that evil day
a gift unto her people to impart.
then when the time was full that should transpire
when night had chased all light from everywhere
no sun by day, nor comfort of a fire
just shadows cast by mourning and despair
Moratu stood accused by all her peers
who put the blame on her since she was strange
how differently she looked, nor had she fears
for such things judged her seeking to arrange
a trial, a sacrifice to set them free
of evil's hold on them and from the night
'the witch among us must be killed ere we
will see the day again or know the light.'
in darkness' thrall they stumbled to her dome
no torches and no fire to light their way
they seized upon Moratu in her home
and brought and bound her to a tree that day
'look at her hair and eyes as black as coal
no wonder we who suffer her to dwell
among us have been wounded to the soul
and made to know the shadows sent from hell.'
her mother never left her daughter's side
while all the people fumbled for a stone
to cast at her with insults, she replied
'the darkness of your hearts bades you atone!'
at this Moratu's mind was sudden filled
with memories of what the stone had said.
and light and love from deep within she willed
into their hearts, and lives. then she was dead.
and all of them were witness to the sight
how out of her while they their hatred spent
had come a stream of daunting love and light
the gift they'd not deserved she deemed to send.
then from each one of them the light increased
until the shadows all had gone away
and they from endless darkness were released
her legend lives on to this very day.
tho very long ago she lived and died
her tribe commemorates her still in song
and wear her name, a symbol of their pride
to this day to Moratu they belong
By moon spirit
© 2010 moon spirit
(All rights reserved)
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