《作别向日葵/Farewell to Sunflowers》- story behind

sunflowerwell, people want to know my story…so here again after explaining to friends in China: in 2007 when I hesitated to give up my dream:writing poetry, i thought of sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh and wrote this poem, then I understood how sad I was.and decided not quit…here is the poem that was published in my book “Wings Toward Sunlight” ( Mosaic Press 2011)

Farewell to Sunflowers

A million arrows are aimed at the sky,
yet the sun still not shot down.
Glancing back,
their golden faces are soaked with tears.
Mourning grasses
grow wild upon my eyes,
burn flames in the wind.

Those duckweeds and swimming fish,
those floating clouds and breezes
are far behind.

In turning, I lose my way
and feel the lotus core in pieces.
With arrows sifting through my hand,
I see sunset in crimson.

‘China Is the Magic Place’ Why Marianne Moore looked east for inspiration

China Is the Magic Place  Why Marianne Moore looked east for inspiration (Poetry Foundation) … I was glad to read the essay. While Chinese poets and younger generations seek inspiration from the western world, I hope we won’t forget the beauty and richness back home from our ancient history and arts. 

The inaugural China Now festival will be in Toronto on July 11,12,13. The events are free. Hope you enjoy them.

Thank Ms. Shi for her wonderful interview

专访:“诗歌在我们的日常生活中,诗歌反映心灵,沟通心灵”

谢谢施雅芳的采访。施雅芳第一次采访我是2012年,她当时在加拿大国际广播电台任职,在我家做的采访和录音。去年在前参议员利德蕙女士的新书发布会上,我应邀讲演,再次见到施雅芳,于是她邀请再次采访我,很高兴又见面了。也开心她自己一直在坚持自己的梦想!