Modern minds imagine the women of Japan unfairly
Seeing them from the distance of different culture and time
In their mind's eye sees retiring, meek or demure beauties
In ancient Japan women were valued, with no reluctance
Because labels are often general things, with little value
The first novel written worldwide came from Japan
It was written with care by a trained thoughtful pen
By a Lady in Waiting of the court, Murasaki Shikibu
Medieval lives were often amazing, if not recorded
For their many achievements worth memory
Lady Murasaki had rivals in creative firsts
One wrote a kind of a memoirs, a savory read
A book filled with shocking and exciting memories
Sei Shonagon wrote the catty, clever book
Titled The Pillow Book, quite praiseworthy
And perhaps in a shock to the modern mind
Women were even trained in arts of war
A few led forces and practiced Bushido
All of these women were different than our guess
To be celebrated as talented and powerful
Disciplined, graceful and never tamed
