The shelves above my desk Hold treasured bits Of Canton, Spode or Lowestoft. Designs, by men of patient skill, Show blue on white. To look upon this ware Is to inquire Of how and when and where men wrought; What potter's wheel did fashion Cup, saucer, bowl? What eastern art did blend Each shade and line, Or draft a tree, pagoda, bridge; Some fruit or people small For me to ponder? Once ships conveyed such store To this, our coast, From England or the Orient; Now ships with wings, strange cargo Bear to Canton. While wave-lengths echo make: "Canton is bombed!" And men neglect their peaceful crafts To fill their place with evil strife Till Canton falls! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOMESDAY BOOK: IRMA LEESE by EDGAR LEE MASTERS A BIRD'S ANGER by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES GOOD FRIDAY (1) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI IMAGINATION, FR. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE |