Yoshiwara girls in their brothel; photo Wikipedia
Yoshiwara red-light district
Japan’s floating world
once known as Yoshiwara
city of desires
created and ruled by men
where girls were procured
tutored and groomed for service
to high-ranking courtesans
and one day replace
educated in the arts
writing of haiku
performing in kabuki
coached in seduction
of coy looks and expressions
and language of love
to gain favoritism
hair, makeup, clothing
a countenance of façade
to lure, please, flatter
this world depicted in art
romantically
glossed over illness and pain
many died young through
disease and botched abortions
life spent indentured
women and men both
existing in the sex trade
captive behind bars
ugliness hidden
for gratification’s sake
and to stave off loneliness
Join me at dVerse Poets for Meeting the Bar as I introduce the Choka. We would love to have you join us! The bar opens Thursday at 3PM EST.
