In the Tang dynasty geckos were crushed in mortars to prepare a potion, which was then applied to mark a young girl’s arm. If she lost her virginity, its red color would change. This fantastic potion was used to regularly inspect and discipline women. The poet Li Shangyin wrote: The red Shou Palace lies in…… Continue reading Guest Of The Sea (or The Gecko’s Virgin Blood)
Keeping a second woman is like riding the back of a tiger – losing your balance can kill you. We government officials often keep beautiful women as mistresses. For those without little wives, it is just as expensive keeping up appearances. Even a minor government official like myself needs some relief. Therefore, when I was…… Continue reading Poem Without a Title 9
“The best drinkers eat lots of ghee, and that’s a fact.” It was a humid evening in Zhengzhou, Henan’s rowdy capital. The tea house floor was wet with moisture and the air thick with the smell of sweat and lust. The looking glass and goblets were misty with steam from the kitchen. Chicken bones lay…… Continue reading Poem Without a Title 4
A Tang Poet From Nairobi 