Explore "Upstairs" by Thomas Burke on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
I have lifted her over my threshold to-night. / Many moons have risen and set since she received my napi; / But now she is here and has entered my upper room, / Where is a shrine for the joss of happiness, / And a soft couch and delicate hanging, / And fine things for fine fingers to handle, / And shaded lanterns and a guitar and my machine-that-sings.
There are ornaments of jade and lacquer, / And the bamboo pipe and the hap-heem that I have laid aside, / And the written leaves containing my verses. / But there are no writing tables, no ink and no brushes. / For now my verses will be written upon her brow.