Songs of a Cowherd/On New Year's Day

by Itō Sachio

 1907 

On New Year’s Day

Isles of the dragon fly^[1]
That, on the map, can be
Gathered in the palm of the hand!
At thy curious strength
The world is quaking.

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1. One of the ancient poetic names of Japan, given to the country on account of a supposed resemblance in shape to that insect.