Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN SAN FRANCISCO'S CHINATOWN, by ALICE MARIE GRAVES


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN SAN FRANCISCO'S CHINATOWN, by                    
First Line: From all that typifies the western world
Last Line: Are far-land temple bells that softly ring.
Subject(s): Chinatown, San Francisco


From all that typifies the Western World
I take one short step to the Orient,
And am as much in its strange glamor furled
As had sea-travel prefaced the event.
Pagoda roofs, all dragon-scrawled and gay,
Top vivid Joss House and bazaar as well;
Uncommon food-stuffs make an odd display;
Posters in picture language cast their spell.
Ambition and intelligence look out
Of old eyes, young eyes, differently aslant;
Doll-children, quaintly pretty, walk about
Unconscious of their power to enchant.
The very names, Sing Chong, Wu, Wa Song Ling,
Are far-land temple bells that softly ring.





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