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Feudal Mikado fears supernatural oni
And commissions the Shaman's of Onmyoji.
A clan of astrologers, warriors, and priests,
Who devote entire lives to exorcise beasts.

Their arts, craft, and magic are skillfully applied,
Converting the skeptics, clever charms mystify.
Lavish rice paper origami is knotted with string,
To ward off the demons from white pentacle rings.

Theatrics are cunning to enchant naive eyes,
As bright-colored smoke grasps their shock and surprise.
Then chanting in unison, they lure and enthrall,
Grand Mikado himself, the greatest fool of them all.

The moon gazes down at the tense ceremony.
As the monks start to meditate in tedious harmony.
Constellations wink through the blackest of skies
Until dawn finally breaks and the mantra subsides.

A gratified courtyard, filled with armed noble lords,
Witness an endless parade of luxurious rewards.
While the treasures' bestowed to the priests as they leave,
They reflect on the webs of deceit that they've weaved.

For they know that demons derive from emotions,
Ambitious, or vengeful, or love-wrought devotions.
If humans but learn to curb their own passions,
They'll never be troubled by wandering phantoms.

Learn more about this author, Kim Babcock.
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