Adieu Aka Manto!

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.

Author's Note

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.

Reviews

[emipoemi]

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!

[Raj Sahu]

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

[emipoemi]

my pleasure.

[Anjali]

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

[John the Baptist]

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

[Raj Sahu]

Thanks a lot!

[Tiffany K Charles]

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.

[Raj Sahu]

Thank you very much!

[Pooja]

It is also a good legendary story you knit.

[Raj Sahu]

Thank you.

[Kleptomaniac]

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

[Raj Sahu]

Hahaha! Yes, you're right. Thank you.

[Crazy Robot]

hahahaha...er..amazing...i like your writing..er..

[Raj Sahu]

Thank you.

[Lara Crimson]

"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.

[Raj Sahu]

Thanks a lot.

[Chris Shaw]

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

[Raj Sahu]

Thanks a lot!

[‘Thoughts In Time..]

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🌹

[Raj Sahu]

Thank you so much!

[‘Thoughts In Time’🌹]

Always my pleasure🌹

[Breadwinner]

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...

[Raj Sahu]

Thank you!