What Pegman Saw: Dancing upon the Demon’s Back

Tigers Nest, in Bhutan, by Anuj sharma on Google Maps

Plodding, footslogging, the weight of the pack on her back weighing her down.

On past prayer flags flapping and pilgrims trekking, to reach the festival place by the tenth day of this the tenth moon.

There to watch her son in his long black chuba, its red lining flashing, his armour gleaming, weapons clashing, his felt-boots dancing upon the demon’s back in the Dramyin Cham

67 words

Written for What Pegman Saw: Bhutan


The Dramyin Cham is a ritual dance performed at festivals in which the defeat of a demon by the C12th saint Tsangpa Gyare is re-enacted.

About crispina kemp

Spinner of Mythic Tales
This entry was posted in Mostly Micro and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

23 Responses to What Pegman Saw: Dancing upon the Demon’s Back

  1. bearmkwa says:

    Love your take on the prompt. I can just envision the dance.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Dale says:

    This was a wonderful piece, Crispina. I want more 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  3. It is a beautiful story about local traditions… You understand the place as if you are a local! It’s brilliant! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    • crimsonprose says:

      The tradition comes from Tibet along with Buddhism. But the Bhutanese have taken it an given it their own stamp.
      Also, I’ve seen the dance performed, and I can’t help but liken it to the traditional English Morris Dance.

      Like

  4. Jen Goldie says:

    Another poetic piece! Perfect in it’s simplicity. Expressing all of the emotions intended. Poignant. Thank you. 🌼🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Love the historical and cultural references here.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. tedstrutz says:

    I saw your story in the photo. Good one.

    On a related note, my daughter just got back from a trek. I have a photo of her with the flag of Nepal on Annapurna.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. k rawson says:

    This lovely little piece left me with goosebumps. Exquisite!

    Liked by 1 person

  8. There’s music alive in these words, Crispina, that makes me want to dance – which is NOT a pretty sight! Loved the brevity here, too. Why use 150 words when 67 will do.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. You use the image of the dance to great effect Crispina, and I was there on the journey, slogging to get there.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.