A Recent Memory
 
I chose
 
my kimono of jade silk
 
strewn with golden oak leaves
 
and rust chrysanthemums,
 
wrapped my sky blue obi,
 
shot with silver threads,
 
picked up my purple fan
to view the autumn sunset
 
from the Floating World.
 
My parents sold me
 
to make life
 
more beautiful.
 
I contribute
 
illusion and wit,
 
shy smiles,
 
lowered eyes
 
as I serve the tea.
 
 
Such is my lot.
 
Compassion saves us all.
 




 
 
