'On Seeing The Daibutsu - At Kamakura, Japan' Summary

"On Seeing The Daibutsu - At Kamakura, Japan" is a magnificent poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox that captures the beauty and awe of the Kamakura Buddha statue in Japan. The poem, first published in 1914, is a testament to the power of art and the profound impact it can have on individuals.

In the poem, Wilcox describes her visit to the Kamakura Buddha statue, a bronze statue of the Buddha Amida that stands over 43 feet tall. Wilcox's use of vivid imagery and evocative language paints a stunning picture of the statue and its surroundings. She describes the statue's "serene, majestic face," its "gilded canopy," and the "tinted sky above" it.

The poem also explores the universal significance of art and culture. Wilcox reflects on the way that art can connect people across cultures and time, noting that "All races understand / The message wrought by those who love the best / And teach the highest."

The enduring relevance of the poem is due in part to the continuing popularity of the Kamakura Buddha statue. The statue is a popular tourist attraction in Japan and continues to inspire visitors from around the world. Wilcox's poem is a beautiful tribute to the statue and to the way that art can inspire and move us.

Overall, "On Seeing The Daibutsu - At Kamakura, Japan" is a stunning poem that showcases Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poetic talent. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and significance of art and culture, and for anyone who has been moved by the power of a great work of art.