Like a red-hot copper cent
sun rise in the pale blue sky
I know why, the Japanese have lent
Goddom to the reddend, baleful eye

It sizzles, burns the brain
to a spot of flaming crimson
In the bamboo-forest it rains
on the islands of the Nippon

Glorious warmth of red
spreads dim light of dawn
Sleepy night has fled
leaves wet tracks on the lawn

The taste of green is folded up
wrapped in smokey leaves
Steamed in the light of teacup
while the shadows sigh and grieve

Elder trees and bamboo grass
share in the carmine light
Crane and dragon shadows pass
Silhouettes black as night

Cherry blossoms bloom
in the land of the rising sun
Night gives daylight room
and now the dream is done