Geisha Envy1994On the eighteenth day, the geishas’ magic lanterns dimmed.“Overuse may annoy…under use may confuse            transitions other than time links…,”                        and can shrivel a close, lively affection.
A faithful maid joined them            To sort out the silken robes.Knotted pockets revealed hidden riches            lain in haste away from their closed fists                        to prosper when the rejections finally came.
Of the three, oldest Sotomi cried the most                        for she loved her fool.Gentle Morni shook, the fat dimples on her chin                         might soon be kissing bone.The youngest let her hair down as she ran to the outer door                                                            where her brave lover stood.            The brave may be poor,             “mountains are solitary and secretive”                        as the strong heart of an impish girl.She clung to his chest             while she slipped all the gold coins                        stealthily into his sagging breech-cloth                                                            while he felt only her lips.
On the nineteenth day, envy of the stricken geishas                        had reached the fourth level of the inner court’s ear.
Eastern Michigan, Ypsilanti