酷我-北美枫

[ericcoliu]

Reading, Writing, and Life on the Page

Behind the Photo (Poem Sequence)

(I’ve posted Poem II before and added Poem I to form a poem sequence based on Chinese poetics)




I

Gazing at the photo from a dim past
Lingering shadows of reality emerge
I am captivated by the moment
A high-pitched F-word in Mandarin
Suddenly snatches me back
The moment is gone
I continue walking down Spadina Avenue

II

I wish I were you
A smiling graduation photo
Forever frozen
In a glorious moment

But I go on living
In gravity-defying thought
A plastic bag
Whirled by the wind
Struggling in mid-air


Note:

Spadina Avenue is one of the most prominent streets in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. At Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue is the centre of Toronto's oldest Chinatown. With its multitude of restaurants, shops, and fruit markets catering to generations of Chinese, it is the most visible symbol of this dynamic community. On weekends especially, the sidewalks are crammed with open-air food stalls, vendors, and thousands of bustling people from all backgrounds eager to shop, eat, and socialize.
_________________
Time is nothing but a disquiet of the soul

[[ericcoliu]]

Reading, Writing, and Life on the Page

Behind the Photo (Poem Sequence)

(I’ve posted Poem II before and added Poem I to form a poem sequence based on Chinese poetics)




I

Gazing at the photo from a dim past
Lingering shadows of reality emerge
I am captivated by the moment
A high-pitched F-word in Mandarin
Suddenly snatches me back
The moment is gone
I continue walking down Spadina Avenue

II

I wish I were you
A smiling graduation photo
Forever frozen
In a glorious moment

But I go on living
In gravity-defying thought
A plastic bag
Whirled by the wind
Struggling in mid-air


Note:

Spadina Avenue is one of the most prominent streets in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. At Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue is the centre of Toronto's oldest Chinatown. With its multitude of restaurants, shops, and fruit markets catering to generations of Chinese, it is the most visible symbol of this dynamic community. On weekends especially, the sidewalks are crammed with open-air food stalls, vendors, and thousands of bustling people from all backgrounds eager to shop, eat, and socialize.
_________________
Time is nothing but a disquiet of the soul

[ericcoliu]

According to classical Chinese poetics, a poem sequence is a group of poems by one poet or perhaps by two or even more poets intended to be read together in a specific order. The integrity of a poem sequence is dependent on this prescribed order of presentation. A poem sequence by a single author is sustained throughout by a single voice and point of view, and it shows consistency in style and purpose from one poem to the next. The defining characteristic of a poem sequence is that each poem must have its own value and integrity yet contribute to the artistic wholeness of the sequence while keeping the logical progression of events.
_________________
Time is nothing but a disquiet of the soul

[[ericcoliu]]

According to classical Chinese poetics, a poem sequence is a group of poems by one poet or perhaps by two or even more poets intended to be read together in a specific order. The integrity of a poem sequence is dependent on this prescribed order of presentation. A poem sequence by a single author is sustained throughout by a single voice and point of view, and it shows consistency in style and purpose from one poem to the next. The defining characteristic of a poem sequence is that each poem must have its own value and integrity yet contribute to the artistic wholeness of the sequence while keeping the logical progression of events.
_________________
Time is nothing but a disquiet of the soul

[ericcoliu]

Here are the replies from my fellow poets at Poetry Connection:


Hi eric, I love that you are introducing new poetic techniques to this site. I didn't see #I before it was removed for revision so without it, I think it impossible to judge the "sequential poem" which you explain.

BUT, #2 is a lyrical stand alone poem that again brings understanding as well as a connection between poet and reader. I loved it. I can't wait to read revised #I.

~~Tink


ericcoliu this was terrific! Two poems interelating to one photo. Both seperate yet both connected. Wonderful!

-- fader
_________________
Time is nothing but a disquiet of the soul

[[ericcoliu]]

Here are the replies from my fellow poets at Poetry Connection:


Hi eric, I love that you are introducing new poetic techniques to this site. I didn't see #I before it was removed for revision so without it, I think it impossible to judge the "sequential poem" which you explain.

BUT, #2 is a lyrical stand alone poem that again brings understanding as well as a connection between poet and reader. I loved it. I can't wait to read revised #I.

~~Tink


ericcoliu this was terrific! Two poems interelating to one photo. Both seperate yet both connected. Wonderful!

-- fader
_________________
Time is nothing but a disquiet of the soul

[christine]

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[ericcoliu]

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[dundas]

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[东西]

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[ericcoliu]

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