'Drifting Flowers of the Sea and Other Poems' Summary

'Drifting Flowers of the Sea' is a collection of poems by Sadakichi Hartmann, a Japanese-German poet who was born in Nagasaki Harbor and raised in Germany. Hartmann's poetry is heavily influenced by both Japanese forms and Symbolist poets like Stéphane Mallarmé. The poems in this collection explore themes of exile, cultural identity, and the beauty of the natural world. Hartmann's poems are often characterized by their use of vivid imagery and sensual language. He frequently employs Japanese imagery, such as cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and the sea, to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia for his homeland. At the same time, his poems also reflect his deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world around him, particularly the landscapes of America, where he spent most of his adult life. Hartmann's poetry is a unique and important contribution to American literature. He was one of the first poets to bridge the gap between East and West, and his work continues to be celebrated by readers around the world.