NCERT Solutions Class 8 English Unit 1 Wit and Wisdom Chapter 02 A Concrete Example

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Question. Read the names of items you usually find in a garden and write their names against each picture given below.
Answer: The images show the following garden items: hedge, wheelbarrow, sapling, flower beds, flower pot, pebbles, garden hose, vine, rockery, and fence.
In simple words: Match each picture to its garden tool or plant name from the list provided.

Exam Tip: Look carefully at each picture's shape and function to match it correctly with the garden item names.

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Question. Complete the following summary with exact words from the poem. The poem describes Mrs. Jones, the speaker's next-door neighbour, who has a unique garden filled with 1.______. Her garden includes a peculiar 2.______, a pond, and a rockery, along with an unusual 3.________ that she finds charming. Mrs. Jones plants tiny, 4.________ plants between the stones, which the speaker thinks must be so small that they are planted with a 5._______. One day, Mrs. Jones invites the speaker to see her garden, and they discuss a 6.________ that Mrs. Jones treasures. When the speaker asks where the 7._______ flower is, Mrs. Jones says that the speaker has been 8.________ on it all along.
Answer: (1) stones (2) path (3) sundial (4) delicate (5) pin (6) flower (7) lovely (8) standing
In simple words: Fill each blank with the exact word from the poem that best describes Mrs. Jones' unusual stone garden and the speaker's visit to it.

Exam Tip: Read the entire poem carefully before filling blanks - this helps you understand the context and find the exact words required.

Question. Select the correct option to fill in the blanks for the following sentences.
(1) The tone of the poem is ______.
(i) Mocking (ii) Humorous (iii) Mournful (iv) Amusing (v) light-hearted
(A) (i), (ii) and (iii) (B) (i), (ii) and (v) (C) (ii), (iii) and (iv) (D) (ii), (iv) and (v)
Answer: (D) (ii), (iv) and (v)
In simple words: The poem has a funny, playful, and cheerful tone as it gently makes fun of Mrs. Jones' unusual love for stones and tiny flowers.

Exam Tip: Tone questions require you to identify the author's attitude - read the poem aloud to feel whether it sounds mocking, sad, or amusing.

Question. The speaker in the poem is ______.
(i) Mrs. Jones (ii) the poet (iii) a gardener (iv) a child
Answer: (ii) the poet
In simple words: The person telling the story in the poem is the poet, who is visiting Mrs. Jones' garden as a neighbour.

Exam Tip: Look for clues in the poem about who is speaking - words like "I" and "my" tell you the speaker's identity.

Question. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ______.
(i) AABBCC (ii) ABABCC (iii) AABCAC (iv) ABBACC
Answer: (ii) ABABCC
In simple words: The ending sounds of the lines follow a pattern where the first and third lines rhyme, the second and fourth lines rhyme, and the fifth and sixth lines rhyme together.

Exam Tip: To find the rhyme scheme, write down the last word of each line and mark lines with matching end sounds with the same letter.

Question. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct answer given in the brackets.
(1) The poet uses the word 'stones' in all stanzas in order to emphasise her ________. (obsession with a stony garden/pride in gardening skills)
Answer: The poet uses the word 'stones' in all stanzas in order to emphasise her obsession with a stony garden. By repeating this word throughout the poem, the poet highlights how Mrs. Jones' entire garden revolves around stones rather than traditional flowers, showing her unusual and unwavering love for these non-living elements.
In simple words: The word 'stones' keeps coming back in the poem to show how much Mrs. Jones cares about her stone garden.

Exam Tip: When a word is repeated in a poem, it usually shows what the poet thinks is most important about the subject.

Question. The poet uses imagery to describe the features of the garden that help readers __________. (understand Mrs. Jones love for plants/visualise the gardens peculiar nature)
Answer: The poet uses imagery to describe the features of the garden that help readers visualise the garden's peculiar nature. Through vivid descriptions like "crazy path," "strange device," and "delicate plants," readers can picture the unusual and distinctive elements of Mrs. Jones' stone garden, even though they have never seen it before.
In simple words: The poet paints a clear picture of the garden using detailed words so you can imagine how unusual it looks.

Exam Tip: Imagery means the poet uses words to create pictures in your mind - look for descriptive words and phrases that help you see, hear, or feel the garden.

Question. Pick examples of alliteration from the poem.
Answer: Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning of nearby words. Examples from the poem include:
- "Garden full of stones" (repeating the 'g' sound)
- "Delicate and small" (repeating the 'd' sound)
- "Strange device" (repeating the 's' sound)
- "crazy path" (repeating the 'c' sound)
- "planting pansies" (repeating the 'p' sound)
- "small, frail things" (repeating the 's' sound)
In simple words: Alliteration happens when words that start with the same sound appear close together in a line of poetry.

Exam Tip: To find alliteration, say the poem aloud and listen for words that start with the same sound - this often makes the words stick in your memory.

Question. A refrain is a repeated line or phrase that appears in each stanza. Identify the refrain from the poem.
Answer: The refrain from the poem is "My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones". This line repeats at the beginning of each stanza, helping to keep the focus on Mrs. Jones and reminding readers throughout the poem that the speaker is describing this particular neighbour's garden.
In simple words: A refrain is a line that comes back again and again in a poem, just like the chorus in a song.

Exam Tip: Refrains make a poem feel musical and help emphasise the main idea - look for lines that repeat exactly or almost exactly in every stanza.

Question. Irony is a literary device that emphasises the difference between what is expected and what actually happens. It often involves a situation where the outcome is the opposite of what is expected, creating a surprising or a humorous effect. For example, Mrs. Jones' excitement about her garden contrasts with the speaker's disappointment on how ordinary it is. Identify the line(s) from the poem that display(s) situational irony.
Answer: When the speaker asks "Where is this lovely flower?" and Mrs. Jones replies "You're standing on it" - this is situational irony. It creates humour because the speaker is disappointed looking for something special, but has actually been stepping on it the whole time without noticing. The speaker expected to see something beautiful and remarkable, but the reality is quite the opposite and ordinary.
In simple words: The irony is funny because the speaker looks for a lovely flower everywhere but doesn't see it because he is already standing right on top of it.

Exam Tip: Situational irony often makes a poem humorous - look for moments where the opposite of what you expect actually happens.

Question. Complete the following sentences appropriately.
(1) The word concrete can refer to ________ in Mrs. Jones garden.
(2) The title also has a symbolic meaning, as the poem provides a clear or concrete example of Mrs. Jones' ________ gardening habits.
Answer: (1) Stones (2) Unusual (or: unique)
In simple words: The word "concrete" means both the hard building material (stones) and something clear and definite (showing Mrs. Jones' strange gardening style).

Exam Tip: When a title has double meaning, look for both a literal meaning (what the words actually say) and a deeper symbolic meaning (what the poem is really about).

Question. The title 'A Concrete Example' carries both literal and symbolic (metaphorical) meaning. Such word play is called a pun. A pun is a figure of speech that uses words with multiple meanings or words that sound alike but have different meanings, creating a humorous effect. Explain why the title "A Concrete Example" is a pun and provide pun examples.
Answer: The title "A Concrete Example" is a pun because it has two meanings:
- Literal meaning: "Concrete" means stones or cement, which matches Mrs. Jones's stone-filled garden.
- Symbolic meaning: "Concrete" also means something clear or definite, which is the speaker giving a clear example of Mrs. Jones's unusual taste in gardening.

Other pun examples:
(i) "The light backpack was so light, I barely felt it!" - Here "light" means both low in weight and bright in colour.
(ii) "We moved by the river bank to deposit money in the bank" - Here "bank" means both the side of a river and a financial institution.
In simple words: A pun uses a word that has more than one meaning to create a funny or clever effect.

Exam Tip: Puns show how creative writers play with language - when you see a title that seems to have two meanings, think about how both meanings fit the story.

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Question. Read the given extract and answer the questions that follow: "My next-door neighbour, Mrs. Jones, has got a garden full of stones: A crazy path, a lily pond, a rockery and, just beyond A sundial with a strange device, which Mrs. Jones thinks rather nice."
Answer:

Question. (i) What can be inferred about Mrs. Jones's taste in gardening from the description of her garden being 'full of stones'?
Answer: Mrs. Jones has unusual gardening tastes because she fills her garden with stones rather than flowers. She shows a preference for stone decorations such as a rockery and sundial compared to traditional plants, revealing her enjoyment of distinctive and non-living garden features that set her apart from other gardeners.
In simple words: Mrs. Jones likes stones and rock decorations in her garden much more than flowers and plants.

Exam Tip: When a text describes someone's choices, those choices tell you about their personality and preferences - look for patterns in what they choose to do or like.

Question. (ii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false: The garden serves as a means to reveal more about Mrs. Jones herself.
Answer: True. The garden reveals Mrs. Jones' personality through her unusual choices - her love for uncommon items like a strange sundial, her patience in planting tiny flowers between stones, and her sense of humour about flowers being stepped on. Her garden directly reflects her creative and unconventional character.
In simple words: What Mrs. Jones puts in her garden shows what kind of person she is - someone who likes unusual things.

Exam Tip: In literature, characters' choices and surroundings often reveal their personality - think about what their actions and preferences say about them.

Question. (iii) What does the poet mean by 'crazy path'?
Answer: A "crazy path" suggests a winding, uneven walkway that appears wild or randomly created, rather than straight or perfectly arranged. This description matches Mrs. Jones' unconventional garden style where nothing follows ordinary rules or typical neatness - everything is deliberately distinctive and different.
In simple words: A "crazy path" is a path that twists and turns in wild ways instead of going straight like normal paths do.

Exam Tip: Descriptive words like "crazy" help paint a picture - think about what mental image the poet creates with such words.

Question. (iv) What does the sundial with a 'strange device' suggest about Mrs. Jones' personality?
(A) She has a fascination with unusual items.
(B) She prefers traditional garden decorations.
(C) She is uninterested in her garden's appearance.
(D) She likes modern and expensive items.
Answer: (A) She has a fascination with unusual items.
In simple words: The strange sundial shows that Mrs. Jones likes things that are different and unique, not ordinary.

Exam Tip: When answering about character traits, look for objects and actions described in the text - they usually support the correct answer choice.

Question. Answer the following questions.
(1) How does Mrs. Jones feel about her garden? Support your answer with evidence from the poem.
Answer: Mrs. Jones feels a deep love and pride for her garden. She enthusiastically shows her stones to the speaker and describes the sundial as "nice," indicating genuine affection for her creation. When discussing the tiny flower, she talks about it for 15 minutes with obvious excitement, proving her strong passion for her distinctive stone garden and all its unusual features.
In simple words: Mrs. Jones loves her garden very much and is proud of the strange things she has put in it.

Exam Tip: To support answers with evidence, pick specific words or actions from the text that prove your point about a character.

Question. (2) Why do you think the speaker describes the plants as being so small that they could be planted with a pin?
Answer: The speaker uses exaggeration to highlight how insignificant the plants seem compared to the stones in Mrs. Jones' garden. By saying they're planted with a pin, the speaker emphasises how tiny and barely noticeable they are against all the stone decorations, which is part of the humorous tone of the poem.
In simple words: The speaker says the plants are tiny to make a joke - they are so small and unimportant next to all the stones.

Exam Tip: Exaggeration is a literary tool used to make a point stand out - when something is described as extreme, it usually has a purpose.

Question. (3) What do we get to know about Mrs. Jones based on her gardening style and her interaction with the speaker?
Answer: Mrs. Jones is a patient person who cares enough to plant delicate flowers, a creative individual who designs with stones, and someone with a good sense of humour about the stepped-on flower. Her gardening style reveals that she values uniqueness over traditional beauty and she enjoys surprising and engaging her visitors with her distinctive garden.
In simple words: Mrs. Jones is patient, creative, and likes things that are different from what other people do.

Exam Tip: Character analysis questions want you to gather clues from actions and choices - put together what you learn from different parts of the text.

Question. (4) The poem portrays Mrs. Jones in a positive light. Support this statement.
Answer: The poem shows Mrs. Jones positively through her genuine enthusiasm when she calls her sundial "rather nice," her dedication shown by planting delicate flowers, and her friendly and welcoming nature toward the speaker. Even her humour about the stepped-on flower demonstrates her likeable character and ability to find joy in unexpected moments.
In simple words: The poet shows Mrs. Jones as a nice, friendly person who is happy and willing to share her garden with others.

Exam Tip: Positive portrayal means the writer shows the character in a good way - look for admirable qualities and friendly behaviour.

Question. (5) What does the poem tell us about the way people think differently about the world around them?
Answer: The poem demonstrates that people view the world through their own perspectives and values. Mrs. Jones finds beauty and meaning in stones and tiny flowers, while the speaker almost fails to notice them entirely. This teaches readers that worth and value depend on personal perspective - what seems ordinary to one person can be precious to another.
In simple words: Different people find beauty and importance in different things - Mrs. Jones loves her stones while others might not see anything special about them.

Exam Tip: Theme questions ask about the main lesson or message - think about what the poem teaches through its characters and situations.

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Question. Select the appropriate word from the brackets that correctly replaces the underlined word in the sentences from the text.
(1) A sundial with a strange device, (unusual, peculiar, new, rare, external)
Answer: Peculiar. Both words suggest something unusual or distinctive, but "peculiar" better fits Mrs. Jones' unique sundial that she finds interesting. The other options either don't match as well or change the meaning significantly.
In simple words: "Peculiar" means strange in a special way - just right for describing Mrs. Jones' one-of-a-kind sundial.

Exam Tip: When choosing synonyms, pick the word that matches both the meaning AND the tone of the original word.

Question. (2) Which Mrs. Jones thinks rather nice. (pleasant, superior, agreeable, gentle, charming)
Answer: Pleasant. This word maintains the same level of positive feeling without being too intense. "Charming" would be more exaggerated, while "agreeable" is too formal for describing how Mrs. Jones views her sundial. "Pleasant" perfectly captures her relaxed appreciation.
In simple words: "Pleasant" means nice and enjoyable - just the right feeling Mrs. Jones has about her sundial.

Exam Tip: Synonym choices must fit the context and tone - not all similar words work equally well in every sentence.

Question. (3) They are so delicate... (delicious, fragile, dainty, graceful, weak)
Answer: Fragile. Both words emphasise how easily the small plants could be damaged. While "dainty" suggests attractiveness and "weak" carries a negative feeling, "fragile" perfectly matches the poem's description of the tiny plants and their vulnerability.
In simple words: "Fragile" means something breaks easily - perfect for tiny, delicate flowers.

Exam Tip: Choose words based on their exact meaning - "fragile" means easily broken, while "weak" has a more general negative meaning.

Question. (4) Where is this lovely thing? I cried. (exclaimed, wept, shouted, announced, whispered)
Answer: Exclaimed. Both words show sudden, loud speech that expresses surprise or emotion. "Shouted" would suggest anger or aggression, while "wept" would completely change the meaning to sadness instead of the surprise and excitement the speaker feels.
In simple words: "Exclaimed" means to say something loudly and suddenly when you are surprised - just what the speaker does.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to the emotion behind the word choice - the context tells you whether someone is angry, surprised, sad, or excited.

Question. The sundial is referred to as a device in the poem. Work in pairs to infer the meaning of device.
Answer: The term "device" in the poem refers to the sundial's special mechanism or distinctive design feature. It suggests that Mrs. Jones' sundial has some characteristic that makes it different from ordinary sundials, reflecting her strong preference for unusual garden items.
In simple words: A device is a tool or object with a special purpose - the sundial is a device that tells time in Mrs. Jones' garden.

Exam Tip: When you see an unfamiliar word, look at the context around it to figure out what it means.

Question. Now, match the type of instruments in Column 1 with their definitions in Column 2. Column 3 shows one example of each type of instrument. Add more examples in Column 3.
Answer:

In simple words: Each category describes a different type of tool or device - some are small hand tools, some are large machines that plug in, and others are portable gadgets.

Exam Tip: Classification questions want you to understand the difference between categories - think about what makes each group unique and what items belong in each one.

Question. Complete the table by making new words in Column 1 using the hints given in Column 2. Replace the first letter of the given word to create new words.
Answer:

In simple words: Change the first letter of the word "nice" to make new words that match the meanings given.

Exam Tip: Word formation questions test your spelling and vocabulary - try different letter replacements to see which new words match the meaning clues.

In simple words: Change the first letter of the word "soil" to make new words that match the meanings shown.

Exam Tip: Looking for words with the same ending sound helps you find patterns - words ending in "-oil" follow the same pattern once you change the first letter.

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Question. You will listen to a presentation about the wonderful Rock Garden of Chandigarh. As you listen, answer the following questions using one to three exact words from the presentation.
(1) Where was Nek Chands Rock Garden featured?
Answer: The Rock Garden of Chandigarh was showcased in an international exhibition displaying distinctive art installations. Nek Chand's creation received worldwide recognition for its inventive approach to using discarded materials in artistic sculptures displayed in the open air.
In simple words: Nek Chand's Rock Garden was shown in a big international art exhibition where people from many countries could see it.

Exam Tip: Listening comprehension questions reward accurate note-taking - jot down key words as you listen to help you remember the exact information.

Question. (2) What kind of sculptures does the Rock Garden have?
Answer: The garden holds sculptures created from industrial and household waste materials. These consist of figures fashioned from broken ceramics, discarded glass bottles and other repurposed items transformed into artistic displays by means of creative assembly and cement application.
In simple words: The sculptures are made from things that would normally be thrown away - like broken dishes and old bottles.

Exam Tip: When describing what materials are used, include specific examples - this shows you understood the detailed information presented.

Question. (3) How is the Rock Garden divided?
Answer: The Rock Garden separates into three distinct phases or sections. Each phase presents different artistic approaches and features various types of sculptures displayed in open outdoor galleries that connect through winding paths and water elements.
In simple words: The Rock Garden has three main parts, and each part has its own type of sculptures and special features.

Exam Tip: Structural organisation questions want you to understand how something divides or is arranged - look for words like "phases," "sections," or "parts."

Question. (4) Name any one thing that has been transformed into a piece of art in the Rock Garden.
Answer: Among numerous transformed items, broken bathroom tiles have been creatively reused as mosaic artwork. These coloured tile pieces decorate sculptures and walls throughout the garden, offering a second life to what was previously regarded as unwanted material.
In simple words: Broken tiles from bathrooms have been turned into beautiful mosaic art that decorates the garden.

Exam Tip: Example-based questions need you to provide one specific item with clear details - showing that you understood and remembered the presentation.

Question. (5) Approximately, how many statues border the Rock Garden?
Answer: Roughly 5,000 statues line the pathways and sections of the Rock Garden. These countless sculptures construct a rich artistic setting where guests may encounter new figures at every turn of the broad outdoor gallery.
In simple words: About 5,000 statues are placed around the Rock Garden so there is always something new to see.

Exam Tip: For numerical answers, make sure you include the exact number and clarify what you are counting - this proves you listened carefully.

Let Us Speak

Question. The speaker of the poem might have felt sorry for stepping on Mrs. Jones flower. When we make a mistake, we must express regret and apologise for our actions. When we apologise to a friend or a family member, we use informal language. Take turns to apologise for the following situations and respond to the apology.
(i) You have eaten your brothers share of sweets.
Answer: "I'm really sorry I ate your share of sweets. I shouldn't have taken them without asking. Next time I'll check with you first. Maybe I can buy you new ones to make up for it?"
In simple words: Say you are sorry, explain you made a mistake, and offer to fix it.

Exam Tip: Good apologies include three parts - expressing regret, showing you understand the mistake, and offering to fix the problem.

Question. (ii) You have broken your sisters flower craft.
Answer: "Please forgive me for breaking your flower craft. I know you worked hard on it. I'll help you make a new one and I'll be more careful with your things in the future."
In simple words: Ask for forgiveness, show you understand how she feels, and promise to help fix it and do better.

Exam Tip: Show empathy by recognising the other person's effort or feelings - this makes your apology sound genuine.

Question. (iii) You accidentally spilled ink on your mothers important documents.
Answer: "Sorry I didn't mean to spill ink on mom's important papers. I'll help recopy the damaged pages and clean the mess. I'll be more careful where I put my ink bottles from now on."
In simple words: Apologise, offer concrete help to fix what you broke, and explain how you will prevent it happening again.

Exam Tip: Effective apologies offer specific solutions - saying "I'll fix it" is better than just "I'm sorry."

Question. (iv) You forgot to bring your friends notebook to the school after borrowing it.
Answer: "I'm sorry about forgetting your notebook. That was careless of me. I'll bring it tomorrow for sure and you can borrow my notes today to catch up on what you missed."
In simple words: Apologise, take responsibility, and help make up for the inconvenience.

Exam Tip: When you apologise, offer a solution that shows you care about helping the other person - this is more effective than just saying sorry.

Question. When we apologise to someone in authority like a Principal or a teacher in a formal setting, we use formal language. Work in pairs and take turns to apologise for the following situations and respond to the apology.
(i) You did not bring an assignment that was due for submission.
Answer: "I sincerely apologise for not completing the assignment on time. I'll submit it by tomorrow and ensure all future work meets deadlines. This won't happen again."
In simple words: Use respectful, formal words when saying sorry to a teacher or principal.

Exam Tip: Formal apologies use more serious language and show greater respect - use words like "sincerely apologise" instead of casual language.

Question. (ii) You were late to school for the past three days and had to meet the Principal.
Answer: "I'm extremely sorry for being late multiple times. I've adjusted my morning routine to leave earlier. I appreciate this warning and take full responsibility for improving my punctuality."
In simple words: Take responsibility, show you have made changes, and promise to do better.

Exam Tip: When apologising to authority figures, demonstrate that you have already taken action to fix the problem - this shows maturity and commitment.

Question. (iii) You did not submit your project work and were asked to explain.
Answer: "I sincerely regret not submitting my project. I've now completed it and understand the importance of time management. I assure you I'll prioritize academic responsibilities better moving forward."
In simple words: Express regret, show you fixed the problem, and promise to manage your work better in the future.

Exam Tip: Formal apologies for academic issues should show that you understand why the work matters and that you won't repeat the mistake.

Let Us Explore

Amrit Udyan

Amrit Udyan is a garden that spreads across 15 acres around Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The garden features multiple attractions for visitors, including Bal Vatika - a specially designed garden area for children - along with a treehouse and an outdoor nature classroom. The garden also contains several themed sections including Bonsai, Herbal-I, Herbal-II, Tactile Garden, Arogya Vanam and Circular Gardens. These sections showcase a varied collection of plants and animals from different regions and ecosystems.

Question. Find out about popular gardens in your region and share with your classmates and teacher.
Answer: One well-known garden in my region is Lodhi Garden in Delhi. This garden spans 90 acres and features beautiful open spaces, historic tombs, a variety of trees, colorful blooming plants, and walking trails. Many visitors come to enjoy morning walks, practice yoga, have picnics, or simply spend time in nature. The garden is also home to important structures belonging to the Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties. The calm setting and abundant greenery have made it a favorite destination for both residents and visitors from other places.
In simple words: Lodhi Garden is a large, peaceful place in Delhi with old buildings, trees, and flowers. People go there to walk, relax, and enjoy nature.

Exam Tip: When describing a garden in your region, mention its size, main features (trees, flowers, monuments), and why people visit it - this shows you have observed the place well.

Question. What is a herbarium?
Answer: A herbarium is a carefully organized storage of plant specimens that are kept for scientific study over many years. The plants are dried and pressed flat, then attached to paper sheets for safekeeping and future reference.
In simple words: A herbarium is a collection where plants are dried, pressed, and kept on paper so scientists can study them later.

Exam Tip: Remember that a herbarium must include proper labeling of each plant specimen with its name and collection date - this is what makes it scientifically useful.

Question. Collect some fallen flowers and leaves from your neighbourhood and create an artwork using them.
Answer: Start by gathering fallen flowers and leaves from areas near your home. Place them carefully between folds of newspaper, then position a stack of books on top to press them flat. Leave them undisturbed for one week. After this time, remove the pressed flowers and leaves and use them to create a greeting card, wall hanging, or any other creative piece of art. You can arrange them in patterns, glue them onto paper or cardboard, and add your own drawings or messages to complete your artwork.
In simple words: Pick fallen flowers and leaves, press them under books for a week, then use them to make a card or wall decoration.

Exam Tip: Ensure the newspaper folds are neat and the books are heavy enough to press the plants evenly - this prevents damage and ensures better results for your final artwork.

Poem: A Sea of Foliage by Toru Dutt

A sea of foliage girds our garden round,
But not a sea of dull unvaried green,
Sharp contrasts of all colours here are seen;
The light-green graceful tamarinds abound
Amid the mango clumps of green profound,
And palms arise, like pillars gray, between;
And o'er the quiet pools the seemuls lean,
Red - red, and startling like a trumpet's sound.
But nothing can be lovelier than the ranges
Of bamboos to the eastward, when the moon
Looks through their gaps, and the white lotus changes
Into a cup of silver. One might swoon
Drunken with beauty then, or gaze and gaze
On a primeval Eden, in amaze.