Observe how Miyanoshita cracked in two 
And slid into the valley; he that stood 
Grinning with terror in the bamboo wood 
Saw the earth heave and thrust its bowels through 
The hill, and his own kitchen slide from view. 
Spilling the warm bowl of his humble food 
Into the lap of horror; mark how lewd 
T his cluttered gulf—Twas here his paddy grew. 
Dread and dismay have not encompassed him; 
The calm sun sets; unhurried and aloof 
Into the riven village falls the rain; 
Days pass; the ashes cool; he builds again 
His paper house upon oblivion's brim. 
And plants the purple iris in its roof. 
Edna St. Vincent Millay, 
By Permission. 
