Murô Saisei's only collection of verses for children. He is known as a modern poet as well as novelist. Seventeen verses first appeared in magazines like Shôkokumin no Tomo [Friend of Young Nationals]. Verses in this book are divided into four groups: spring, summer, autumn,
and winter.
The verses are mostly about small living things like insects, fish, and birds. Murô chose these creatures close to our daily life, composed verses, and told his readers that all living things are precious and should be respected. In the preface, Murô wrote "if animals are killed, they will mourn; don't let them mourn; don't kill them." During the war, to throw away one's life for the victory of Japan was regarded as an ideal. Murô sent a very important message through these verses. |
