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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
WAR SEQUENCE: WAR ALTARS, by RENA CAREY SHEFFIELD
First Line: Within the green jade temple of chapei
Last Line: The silent buddha sits and meditates.
Subject(s): China; World War Ii; Second World War
First Line: Within the green jade temple of chapei
Last Line: The silent buddha sits and meditates.
Subject(s): China; World War Ii; Second World War
Within the Green Jade Temple of Chapei
The Buddha broods on follies of the world;
About him broken temple gods are hurled,
Shattered to bits the heavy timbers lie --
Through shivering air the steel projectiles fly,
Twisting to ruin bronze and teak empearled:
Where China's scarlet banners were unfurled
Hang tatters of torn color -- mute -- awry.
Upon a throne of jade the Buddha waits
While sentries of the Rising Sun patrol
The streets of Shanghai, and outside the gates
The battling armies send their thunder roll:
But in the temple, heedless of Death's toll,
The silent Buddha sits and meditates.
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