The Moon Rabbit
the jade rabbit at the mortar
aetherThe jade rabbit pounds the elixir of life on the moon, rewarded for offering itself as food to a hungry stranger; to dream of the rabbit is to be shown that the smallest selfless act echoes the longest, and that quiet work outlasts glory.
Three immortals begged food of the animals, and only the rabbit, having nothing, offered itself; the moon was its reward for the smallest, largest gift.
On full-moon nights you can still see him at his mortar, pounding, pounding; the medicine of heaven is made by the humblest pharmacist.
Children are told to find him in the moon before they eat their cakes, and the quickest eye gets the first bite; he still feeds the quick-eyed.
He keeps Chang'e company in the Cold Palace, thump of pestle, thump of pestle; even eternity is easier with a task and a friend.