From behind the romantic gauze
Created by patriarchy
The courtesan’s eyes tell all
Wrapped like a gift
A beautiful ikebana bloom
Armed with only a fan
To hide her pain
The inscrutable face
As formal as the teahouse
A world floating
On the tide of pleasure
Between desire and suffering
Manipulation and art
Image found on http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2015/may/21/samurais-and-courtesans-japan-caught-in-colour-back-in-1865-in-pictures#img-11
writing in north norfolk 