Kuchibiru

Belly, knotted like a ragged bean.
A gentle pace of mellow bristling steps,
Abreast a stippled waxy paper screen
With a burden of modest implements.

Past the pungent cups and crockery
Of night upon a sequent night's cold oil.
Buoyed by a hungry revery
Of no softer painting to be spoiled.

Kerchief and cool reverberate brass bowl,
Simple tools, with leisure to unmake
A hair and lace so featly to unroll.
A spot of paint, a blot of blush and kohl...

Courtesan, plum-patterened silk aflow.
Cinnabar above, Cinnabar below...

   - Cornelius Scarecrow esq.

Kuchibiru, noun, (Japanese): Lip(s)