Chinese Bride - NaPo # 29

Chinese bride, eyes cast down,
face powdered white,
lips the colour of her gown,
a crimson brocade
of gold and silver thread.

She holds a tiny cup
with nervous hands
and offers red dates tea
to the matriarch seated,
in front of a “double happiness”
embroidered on satin drape
of dragon-phoenix design.

Tea accepted; and the bride receives
a red packet of lucky money
and a family heirloom,
a symbol of her status.
And now she must shoulder
the tradition, to bear
a son to carry on the family name.

She bites her lower lip
as her fingers reach out to feel
the jade bracelet
now heavy on her wrist.
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(originally written in 2002)
NaPoWriMo - 29 April 2006