Anon.
The phrase “orchid door” is sometimes used as a term to describe the women’s quarters. In the same sense we find “jade courtyard,” “perfumed screen” and other fanciful phrases. It also occurs, however, in the scholarly writings where it is applied to delicate elusive thoughts, the entrance to the poet’s Immortal Garden.
Stilled is the lute string after hours of song.
The fountain is a shower of rainbow spray,
Lit by the moon. Upon the littered floor
Guest after guest falls into drunken sleep.
Winecups are drained. The flickering lantern light Glimmers above a weary dancing girl,
Shines through the amber pins that hold her hair,
Mocks at the peony bud which is her mouth,
The jasmine petals that enfold her eyes.
What are such joys to me? I turn away.
Beyond the Fountain of Ten Thousand Jewels
In fragrant shadow waits an orchid door.