WE go to the Golden Palace: We set out the jade cups. We summon the honoured guests To enter at the Golden Gate. They enter at the Golden Gate And go to the Golden Hall. In the Eastern Kitchen the meat is sliced and ready -- Roast beef and boiled pork and mutton. The Master of the Feast hands round the wine. The harp-players sound their clear chords. The cups are pushed aside and we face each other at chess: The rival pawns are marshalled rank against rank. The fire glows and the smoke puffs and curls; From the incense-burner rises a delicate fragrance. The clear wine has made our cheeks red; Round the table joy and peace prevail. May those who shared in this day's delight Through countless autumns enjoy like felicity. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...COVERING WINGS by KATHERINE MANSFIELD PORTRAIT OF ONE DEAD by CONRAD AIKEN TRANSLUCENT FINGERS by MALCOLM COWLEY NOTES FOR THE FIRST LINE OF A SPANISH POEM by JAMES GALVIN CHERRY BLOSSOMS BLOWING IN WEST BLOWING SNOW by JAMES GALVIN LETHE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON |