Adieu Aka Manto!

Adieu Aka Manto!

A Poem by Raj Sahu
"

For the contest "Japanese Folklore", Please refer to author's note prior of reading.

"
He come across a traumatic tale,
Is it true or just a rumour?
But none a tale, can ever fail,
His immodest courage. The Aka Manto,
Too can be a subject of humour.

My School mate, with unfortunate fate,
To relieve himself, went in.
A question echoed as he closed the gate,
"Which toilet paper- red or blue?"
That brought spikes on his skin.

Eminent for his wit, a plan he knit, 
Replied vigorously to the vulpine voice,
"You lost your way a little-bit,
Left Japan and afflicted this land.
Now, don't leave till you rejoice."

He told, after hearing the school knolls,
"None in this amazing country,
Use your precious toilet rolls,
A mug of water is more than enough!"
On hearing this, eftsoons the voice flee.

© 2018 Raj Sahu


Author's Note

Raj Sahu
Aka Manto (赤マント Red Cape) is a Japanese urban legend about a malicious spirit who kills people at public and school toilets, who will ask people if they want red paper or blue paper. In some versions, he will ask the individual if they want a red or blue cape. Often described as a beautiful man in life and hounded constantly by admirers, he supposedly wears a mask to hide his face.
The legend somewhat says like this:
If a person is sitting on the toilet (usually the last stall), a mysterious voice will ask them if they want red paper or blue paper. If they answer red paper, they will be sliced apart until their clothes are stained red. If they choose blue paper, they will be strangled until their face turns blue. Any attempt to outsmart Aka Manto by asking for a different color will result in them being dragged to the Netherworld. If you decline to receive any kind of paper, he will depart.

My Review

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Featured Review

I dare say, the theme is intriguing, but I found the narrative sort of confusing. The Author's Note clarified some questions, but these kinds of poems shouldn't be begging questions, but rather should set things up and then dive in. Readers who don't know anything about what's going on shouldn't be left confused for the entire poem. Other than that, apart from some musicality issues here and there, I quite enjoyed this. Well done!

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

6 Years Ago

Thank you very much for such a wonderful review! I appreciate it.
emipoemi

6 Years Ago

my pleasure.



Reviews

A witty poem. And yes, Indians would prefer a mug of water over toilet paper any day.

Posted 4 Years Ago


A very humorous take on a grim legend. Makes you want to carry your own paper.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

5 Years Ago

Thanks a lot!
I only wished it would still keep going but I understand that you are doing a culture folk tale ......... I really enjoyed this read... Good job chap.

Posted 5 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

5 Years Ago

Thank you very much!
It is also a good legendary story you knit.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

6 Years Ago

Thank you.
Aka Man to would surely cry on her way to her land. So funny!

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

6 Years Ago

Hahaha! Yes, you're right. Thank you.
hahahaha...er..amazing...i like your writing..er..

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

6 Years Ago

Thank you.
"He told, after hearing the school knolls,
"None in this amazing country,
Use your precious toilet rolls,
A mug of water is more than enough!"
On hearing this, eftsoon the voice flee."

It is another good read from you. I like this work as it is horro-humorous. Thank you.


Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

6 Years Ago

Thanks a lot.
I enjoyed the narrative, reading the speaker's notes and the humour in this poem. Made me smile.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

6 Years Ago

Thanks a lot!
Red or blue - choice is up to you- things can only hurt us if you allow it if they see they don’t have a chance I believe they will refrain- we are more powerful than we like to believe we are- positivity and not allowing fear to overcome you are strengths alone- interesting write- I learnt something here- well written🌹

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

6 Years Ago

Thank you so much!
‘Thoughts In Time’🌹

6 Years Ago

Always my pleasure🌹
What a witty person the school boy is! It's really a funny answer he gave...You made a perfect blend of horror and humour...

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Raj Sahu

6 Years Ago

Thank you!

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784 Views
18 Reviews
Rating
Added on April 14, 2018
Last Updated on May 5, 2018
Tags: Horror, Aka Manto, Humour

Author

Raj Sahu
Raj Sahu

Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, India



About
Myself Raj Sahu from the historic town of Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. I had completed my high schooling with flying colours from Choithram School, Indore in Humanities stream and was first in or.. more..

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