The Song Book of Quong Lee of Limehouse

Throughout the day I sit behind the counter of my shop And the odours of my country are all about me- Areca nut, and betel leaf, and manioc, Lychee and suey sen, Li-un and dried seaweed, Tchah and sam-shu; And these carry my mind to half-forgotten days When tales were plentiful and care was hard to hold.