Geisha

In a semi-dark, strict hall
The violins sang, you danced.
Groups of butterflies and lilies
On greenish silk
How alive they said
With an electric sunset
And the shadow of acacias fell
On the canvases of the scenery.

You seemed like a bonbonniere
Over an elegant bookcase,
And, like white cats,
Like children at play
Your little feet
Fluttered on the floor
And golden beetles
Your name shone on us.

And when you said
We loved the distant
You threw flowers at us
Unfamiliar art
In incomprehensible words
Intoxicating our senses
And we believed that the sun
Only Japanese fiction.

(1908) Nikolay Gumilyov

Note: Sada Yakko (1872-1946) is a former famous geisha and dramatic actress. With the troupe of her husband, the famous actor Otojiro Kawakami, she toured in European countries (including Russia) and the United States. Gumilyov could see the performances of the actress in 1906-1907.