Cambridge Poets 1900–1913

EDMUND VALE. OLD JAPAN . I CAN hear the children clapping , Hidden in the misty morning , On the shores of Old Japan. I can see the junk sail flapping , Red with light that's ruddier dawning , On the snows of Fuji San . While the filmy haze is lifting , I can see through many a rifting Shaggy fir trees , little islands , Like a painted Nipon fan , Like a fan that 's silver rounded , For the bay is sandy bounded , Stretching to the flowery highlands Of the heart of Old Japan . Here are things that Westerns share not , Here business , time and haste compare not In the dull or in the clever With the peace of mind of man ; Here with joy in mist and glamour , Droning chant and ringing clamour , Naked children play for ever Simple games of Old Japan . 198