Poem: crushed by the truth living a liar's lie with trust as your camouflage truth is the coming gale inspired by & paired with a portion of an image ©ilinkcs (2025) of an artwork by Utagawa Kuniyoshi “Taira Koremochi spies the reflection of a female demon” It’s a mythological woodprint from Japanese folklore in the traditional Japanese woodblock print style of the Ukiyo-e movement. I love the vivid colors & imagery. Taira Koremochi stares intensely into a bowl of sake which is reflecting back the face of a female demon. It shows the instant he realizes the reflection is coming from the woman he is with. The reflection reveals the truth, he is starting to draw his sword. Standing behind him, she is dressed in an elaborate kimono with ornate designs, subtly mirroring her true nature. In turn his clothing also has intricate patterns and rich colors & this is the counterpoint to hers, creating dramatic tension. The whole artwork is a compelling tableau that combines mythology, artistry, and cultural symbolism. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taira_Koremochi_spies_the_reflection_of_a_female_demon.jpg

crushed by the truth

Inspired by Utagawa #Kuniyoshi “Taira #Koremochi spies the reflection of a female #demon”
The vice-governor of Dewa sees his companion’s face reflected back as a #demon in a bowl of sake - he prepares to strike.

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#poetry #poem #haiku #japan #mythology