Geisha Poem by Cherie Mort

Silk swishes softly across a wooden floor
High wooden shoes clunk dully on the stairs
Uneasily, I take one last glance at the okiya
Patting my hair to make sure it is perfect, tightening my obi,
Smoothing out my kimono before I step into the carriage

My sisters are already there, waiting there for me
Their smooth porcelain faces breaking into dainty giggles
From little red mouths no bigger than sakura
As I clumsily enter the carriage, clutching my shamisen close

This is my debut night, the night that I transition from maiko
To Geisha
So many thoughts rush through my head
Mixing with the heavy scent of incense from Mother's blessing
I feel dizzy and afraid, so I turn my head
To focus on the colorful lanterns in the street
The sights and sounds mesmerize me as my sisters chatter on,
Unfazed by all the grandeur

They are already geiko
Their debut nights have long since passed
They are professionals
Now they seek danna, to sponsor their lifestyles
Someday that will be me