Thoughts on Leaving Japan
The poem explores the speaker's emotional turmoil upon leaving Japan, a place they have grown to love. The speaker reflects on the memories and experiences accumulated during their stay, now tinged with sadness and longing. They lament the loss of familiarity, the comfort of routine, and the beauty of the Japanese landscape.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1918 · Genre: Poetry, Travel Literature, Cultural Commentary · 341 words
First lines
A changing medley of insistent sounds, Like broken airs, played on a Samisen, Pursues me, as the waves blot out the shore. The trot of wooden heels; the warning cry Of patient runners; laughter and strange words Of children, children, children everywhere: The clap of reverent hands, before some shrine; And over all the haunting temple bells, Waking, in silent chambers of the soul, Dim memories of long-forgotten lives.
_But oh_! _the sorrow of the undertone_; _The wail of hopeless weeping in the dawn_ _From lips that smiled through gilded bars at night_.
What this Textopian page supports
Thoughts on Leaving Japan is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Travel Literature, Cultural Commentary, Philosophical Literature, Historical Literature
- Length: 341 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- Travel Literature — The content reflects on the author's experiences and observations in Japan.
- Cultural Commentary — The themes address cultural practices, traditions, and societal changes in Japan.
- Philosophical Literature — The work delves into existential themes and reflections on life and death.
Tags
Travelogue · Memoir · Cultural Observations · Personal Reflections · Japan · Early 20th Century · American Perspective · Women's Writing · Literary Nonfiction · Autobiographical · Travel Writing · Cultural Differences