i. 

Because old novels are always furnished — red velvet 
      and larkspur. 
Because parlor speaks her.  
Because David said to his son Solomon, pure gold 
      for the mercy-seat of the Lord, gold too 
            for the flesh-hooks.  

ii.

Because this frame is gilded.
Because these vanities are intricate and 
      exquisitely wrought.  
Because wood dries over time like skin
      and both may burn.  

iii.

Because the moon is her heirloom.
Because if she drapes herself on this sofa just so,
      she might be a muse.  
Because if she drapes herself on this sofa just so,
      she will be tragic.  

iv.

Because she gets the feeling that something 
      is hiding under this veneer.
Because time is a chair with claws 
      and a wingéd back. 
Because there are flames in the mahogany 
      and tigers in the oak.  

v.

Because she needs a language 
      to distinguish between new 
            and new to me.  
Because she has no history.  
Because someone carved this rose from ash.