Memorial: Selected Poems by Yan Li, Edited and Translated by Anna Yin

In recent years, I have devoted myself to translating the poetry of Yan Li. His work is uniquely profound, shaped by a strong historical imprint and distinguished by black humour and layered metaphors, making translation both challenging and rewarding. Yan Li shared more than one hundred poems with me, from which I translated over fifty. Seventeen of these translations have appeared in leading English-language journals. In November 2024, I received Yan Li’s written authorization to publish this collection. While I was seeking publishers in North America and the United Kingdom, Yan Li unexpectedly passed away on June 24, 2026.

To reduce paper use and protect our forests, this memorial edition is published by Sureway Press and shared digitally, allowing these poems to continue their journey in a lighter and more sustainable form. May these verses transcend language and time, continuing to be read, heard, and remembered.

Poetry Alive and Poetry Reading in July 2026

I shared four kinds of poetry: haiku, shape poetry, free verse, erasure poetry and poetry and music.., yes, i have a whole day as poet in class… also shared the link of Poet Laureate Podcast and invited students to write about FIFA World Cup…thanks Poetry in Voice and Caroline Howe for supporting!