Everyone Needs a' Poet in China' Experience

Thanks to Jami Proctor-Xu's invitation to two international poetry events in China, my life has changed. I'm a poet and I should be proud; because there were doubts. In China however, the respect for literature exceeds any place I've known. They have generations of classics to celebrate and being a part of that poetry world, was an antidote to my awkward, dismal and exhausting days.

The poets who gave new meaning to my existence. Thank you!

Home is the place where you grow, where you find laughter and strength, where creativity is the antidote to hopeless days. China was my perfect home for over a week, where I visited Beijing and Hebei, with several other international poets, and renowned Chinese poets.

About Beijing; The Beijing Normal University and Lu Xun Arts Institute where the translation and reading events were held, had an air of mastery and excellence. Art spilled over at every turn. The crockery, tea, lanterns and piles upon piles of well-published poetry. I understood, while there, that to be a poet in China is to be part of a highly esteemed enviable race of individuals, sacred and immortal. 

#MovingtoChina

 

At the Normal Beijing University, at the International Writing Centre.

 Translating some Chinese poetry into Luganda and Lumasaaba and working with Professor Lan Lan and Li Xing Chen for them to translate some of my poetry into Chinese was one of the more arduous tasks. The word sea, for example. Apart from ocean, is there a word that defines sea to specification? No. And one of my children's poems had the words 'Mother Christmas.' I should have seen that coming. It was impossible to explain that it was just a play on gender dynamics and a holiday celebrated almost all over the world. Poetry, our words and our intentions, however well-meaning, will always be perceived through  a reader's historical feminist, patriarchal, religious and multi-lensed eyes. That's what made the translation experience worthwhile. It was complex.

Li Zing Chen with a copy of 'When Children Dare to Dream,' a Babishai poetry anthology

 Uganda is well-known for hospitality and serving guests with mountains of food. (Chinese give new meaning to eating). At every meal, there was a minimum of fifteen dishes. It hardly explains why almost every citizen from one of the fashion capitals of the world, all look gorgeous, well-toned and healthy. How do they do that will so much food? rue, it's largely vegetable and other fibre but they too take plenty of meat and fats. Stunning to imagine how they remain youthful and energetic.

Some of the Chinese food

The answer is below: Bicycles. Because of the high population, Chinese use bicycles to move around. It's inventive, encourages healthy living and reduces on congestion. The bicycles are parked in public spaces around the city and ....no bike ever gets stolen. It sounds ludicrous but it's true. Every bicycle is parked in the right place, respectful to the community and Government. #MovingtoChina

Some of my treasure

In Hebei with Yuyutsu Sharma, Jiang (famous poet) and Inam Bidoun

 

The Hebei Province is close to home. The mountainous region has extreme temperatures-hot and cold. It's Kisoro, Kabale of South western Uganda or even Sironko in Eastern Uganda. The village  is captivating, endless stories and chants. I was blest to be a part of this indescribable experience and of course, I must bless my family the same way. #MovingtoChina