Amaterasu, Shining in Heaven - NaPoWriMo, Day 2

What I love about challenges like NaPoWriMo and OctPoWriMo (October Poetry Writing Month) is that those challenges gives me a chance to learn something new, and to find something new to write about. That is something that I appreciate, considering that I am always looking for something new to write about since getting past Writer's Block.

Today's poetry prompt was to write a poem based on a myth or a legend. I decided to write about Amaterasu (which means shining in heaven), who was a sun goddess. I enjoyed reading up on her and her story, and how she is honored every twenty year. I tried to sum up her life story in a Rondel. It be rewritten to include more of her story. 
Enjoy! :-)

Amaterasu, Shining in Heaven

But behold! Have you seen her light?
Amaterasu, she shines in the heavens
Born of Izanagi, after his benight
Born of a time of his purification

At the time of dayspring is she in sight
Faith affirmed she will be seen as day begins
But behold! Have you seen her light?
Amaterasu, she shines in the heavens

For a short-lived time she leaves the heavens
Her world consumed by sea, now begins her plight
Within walls she hides, her brilliance not in sight
At last, she returns to us through One's persuasion
But behold! Have you seen her light?

- LWV 4/2/2014

Upon Narrow Roads

 This poem was inspired by the April 2007 day trip that I had taken with a friend to the Eastern Shore. The narrow roads by the water, and the hold-fashioned houses were very inspiring. I wanted to draw a picture of the area but did not get around to it. Instead, I painted a picture with words. This poem had placed 28th in the Shadow's Ink Poetry Contest, and was published in Shadows Ink Chapbook Series 2, Volume 5.

Upon Narrow Roads

Feeling the chill of the morning breeze
While driving upon these narrow roads
Listening to the songs of the salt seas
As they dance upon sands of gold

Their songs puts my soul at ease
Such a peaceful sound to behold
Feeling the chill of the morning breeze
While driving upon these narrow roads

Passing by me are many lovely scenes
Small towns with buildings of old
Each with a classic story to be told
To this place I'll again make more journeys
Feeling the chill of the morning breeze

© 2008 Lita Verella

A photo of Hoopers Island by the Eastern Shore, Maryland