Geisha

She waltzes across water
amongst mossy stepping stones
vibrant, fungus, green thriving on nature's concrete
which had already
been scratched on by smooth, beech sandals,
barefeet
sunshine
...rain.

And she drifts, with each careful step across water
a ripple in the pond spreads
goldfish kiss and breach the water surface
gazing at the lone willow moving gracing past stones.

Seventeen petals have fallen since autumn

only a stem
only leaves
a painted face to hide her last

In a lonely eye, the true beast and burden
beauty belongs only to her.
She can converse with you
ivory paint; tiny, red lips to speak
She would sing; she would dance; she would entertain you.

But never, not once, would she love you.