Once Upon A Chinese Bride


She will be for sons.

Hidden inside the silk folds

of her red world,

on this her wedding day.

A cup of water allowed

to disappear beneath pearls,

reappear drained.

Her mother wanted only this.

Misery stored in her make up tray.

Her mother permitted no reprieve

from certain poverty. The sister

who comes weeping one evening

will be shown an empty chair

at dinner but will not stay.

Red tassels tied to the master

bedpost will signify live male births.

Daughters will disappear.

 

Susan Bazett