constructing poetry

why children sleep with money

parents, beware! ignore Sui,
his breath, his hand,

reaching for your children,
sleeping in their beds,

brushing back their hair,
kissing their heads with

foul imitation—and he
will take them, forever.

one touch—they shiver
while a fever burns,

twice—their eyes cloud,
they enter Sui’s realm.

thrice—they are his.
no remedy will prosper.

but coin, given in
love and red paper

catches new year light,
frightens the demon away.

line count: 18

Prompt ▼

Prompt for: Feb 4 (Ren)
Subject or Theme: Evil Spirits and Poetry Myth Chinese New Year Myths
Word(s) to Include: ignore, prosper (or any derivatives of these words)
Forbidden Word(s): spirit, help (or any derivatives of these words)
Additional Parameters: You will be writing at least 4 couplets (they can be linked in one theme or separate). Two lines each, 4 words per line (exact). These can be serious or tongue and cheek.
Remember, do not use forbidden words ANYWHERE, including title or the brief description.

Chosen myth: https://chinesenewyear2018.com/myths/
Origin of Red Pockets

According to legends, there used to be an evil spirit named Sui (祟). It would appear on New Year’s Eve and pat the heads of sleeping children three times. The children would end up with a fever. Even if they recovered from the fever, they’d never be the same again.
One couple entertained their child with some coins at night. When he fell asleep, they placed the coins on red paper and left it by the pillow. When Sui came, the coins flashed and frightened it away. From then on, parents would give children money wrapped in red paper every New Year’s Eve.