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 Japanese miss because of superstition! Roses do not look beautiful to us because they have harmful thorns.”

“And how much joy you have because of traditions,” said Mother, smiling. “In the poem you taught me last night,

“Have you another blossom that is ‘a teacher’?"

“And the modest plum,” I answered quickly, “that blossoms on snow-laden branches, is a bridal flower, because it teaches courage and endurance.”

“And how about the cherry?” asked Mother.

“Oh, that has an important meaning,” I quickly replied.

“Bravo!” Mother cried, clapping her hands. “This is a real, albeit a second-rate, poetry contest that you and I are having. Do you know any more flower poems?”

“Oh, yes-Morning glories!” And I rapidly recited in Japanese:

Oh, Mother, this is just like Japan—the way you and I are doing now! Japanese people often gather—a group of friends—and write poems. They meet at a Flower Viewing festival and hang poems on the flowery branches; or at a moon-gazing party where they sit in the light of the