For Pao-Chin, a Boatman on the Yellow Sea

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Where is he now, in his soiled shirt reeking of garlic,
Sculling his sampan home, and night approaching fast –
The red sail hanging wrinkled on the bamboo mast;

Where is he now, I shall remember my whole life long
With love and praise, for the sake of a small song
 Played on a Chinese flute?

I have been sad;
I have been in cities where the song was all I had, —
A treasure never to be bartered by the hungry days.

Where is he now, for whom I carry in my heart
This love, this praise?

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