House of Ancient Stories

A siheyuan in the Xidan hutong
Red door, knockers bright and golden.

Anyone at home? Anyone inside drinking tea?
Someone playing the guqin?

Pigeons flying overhead, a whirring noise.
There must be something attached
to their legs.

Guardian lions standing guard outside the door.
I knock once, twice. Standing there my friend with a smile,
Please, come inside!

A courtyard full of plants,
Ink and brush scrolls: cultivating virtue- the best thing to grow.
Stamp that idea with a Jade Dragon Seal!

I am especially honored, an imperial dinner
prepared by a chef—Emperor Qianlong would be pleased.
A banquet, a reunion feast.