Author: Anna Yin

• Glad to be invited to read at Tree Reading Series in Ottawa (May 26, 2015）Tree Reading Series have hosted many fine Canadian poets’ readings. I am honored to receive the invitation. Thanks a lot!

For photos and videos of my previous reading at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, please check here.

• Glad to receive an email from Stan Galloway (Festival Organizer /Professor of English of Bridgewater College) for inviting me to attend 2015 Bridgewater College’s International Poetry Festival.  It should be a wonderful event. To apply please check the festival web site.

 

well, 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 (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.