From The Snow Leopard to Mayakovsky, by Jidi Majia.

 ‘First and foremost, we are convinced, since time immemorial, the most beautiful thing that has happened to us humans is that we are possessed of and by poetry,’ Jidi Majia from his essay, ‘Manifesto of Qinghai Lake International Poetry.

In 2017, I was invited to Beijing and Hebei Province in China to participate in two international poetry festivals. Those ten days were an unforgettable, worthwhile poetic journey that still impacts me today.

Having my first glimpse into the extraordinary nature of Chinese literature and the incredible power of their half century art, tradition and literary influence, left me in awe. In addition, the hospitality of the hosts was unrivalled.

This particular anthology which includes a vast collection of Jidi Majia’s poetry and collection of his essays, ‘From The Snow Leopard to Mayakovsky,’ is as profound, spiritually  moving and meaningful as words can get. The book is available in most online stores like Barnes and Noble, e-bay, Good Reads and so on. 

Jidi Majia is a highly respected and celebrated writer in China and meeting him, receiving an autographed copy of his book and learning more about his work, was an honour.

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Jidi Majia’s writing is soulful and speaks volumes of the power of keen observation and experiencing the nuances of nature, the ripples of our surroundings that we can easily miss, if we are not still. Deeply meditative, personal and interactive, a reader will be drawn to the careful structure of the poetry, the rhythm and pattern of the sentences and the carefully selected words.

Translated from Mandarin, it would be powerful to hear the original thought and process. The English version, reflective and musical, is testimony to the translator’s ability to read, listen and understand.

Once you are invited into the space of Chinese literature your appreciation shifts to a higher level. You are transported into history, into generations of wealth and lifestyle, into unique traditions and cultural strengths. 

During my ten days in China, staying in two vastly different provinces, one contemporary and urban and the other rural and equally festive, I was drawn to the hospitality, high level of preparation and promotion of their language and culture. Chinese of all ages were involved in the preparations of the festival. 

While at Beijing Normal University, most of the 25 year olds that we met, had started their Ph.Ds and were focused on a career trajectory. I stood next to them, proud of my achievements and my own journey. Learning about their proficient lifestyle.

Meeting writers and academics, intensely drawn to deep discussions and long term plans, was stimulating.

If you’re able to, purchase a copy of Jidi Majia’s book, ‘From The Snow Leopard to Mayakovsky.’  from the many online stores.

Reviewed by Beverley N Nsengiyunva