Inuyasha* Poem by Ben Gieske

(from The Art of INUYASHA, Collection of original illustrations by Rumiko Takahashi)

welling from within
seeking the Jewel of Four Souls
to become a true demon of sin
how to now he already knows

to the village
the Shikon Jewel to pillage
flames, torches
fire that scorches
shrieking faces
scrambling entombing fire

AHA

Now’s the time.
The Jewel is mine.

feet spread...........firmly rooted
bow poised..........string taut

___________ KIKYO **_________

strum THUMP

against the tree he slumps
the target eyed
the half-demon crucified

...Ki....Kikyo

f
a
l
l
i
n
g
the glistening Jewel

her eyelids.....s..l...o....w.....l......y
elevatoring

d
o
w
n

her blouse mushrooming red
BURN it....she whispers................with my remains

...........................................................Ki - KI.....KY.......O

* Inuyasha is a half-demon in search of the Shikon Jewel protected in the Shikon Shrine. The Jewel would give him the full power of a demon. He is in love with Kikyo.

** Kikyo is the prestess who protects the Jewel. She is a master archer. She wears a white blouse and a pair of red hakama.

(February 21,2008)