In December 2022, Pancouver introduced readers to Cathy Xinman, a B.C. resident who writes poems in English and Chinese. Below, you can read one of her English-language poems, “No Second Vancouver”.
No Second Vancouver
In the age of 21st century,
You’ve spent all your time in the past.
I say this winter is no different—
An aging beauty.
I don’t know how young and stunning you once were,
But I’m sure I spent the night in the light,
Admiring myself on Christmas nights.
Night, go on sleeping,
Don’t wake up.
There is no second Vancouver.
Twist? No need to twist.
Hi—like a newly born fairy,
Wearing a crown of adolescence,
Singing an old love song from 1969.
Hi, dear Caroline—
“Sweet Caroline.”
The red bricks and white mortar walls smile in Gastown.
Sea urchin and fish roe bowls—
Suddenly eligible for a 5% GST exemption.
Even taxes are on vacation.
Remember—December 14th to February 15th
A time for tax beauties to take a break.
Will the just-settled inflation
Wake up early?
No way! Let’s drink to a song.
Liquor’s 5% consumption tax cannot rest.
A wanderer raises a wine bottle,
Shouting to his companions across the road.
His sparkling voice
Rises above the cold air.
Stars twinkle on the trees.
Fans still crowd around the steam clock.
Once again, like a girl,
I’ve fallen for its beauty.
But I haven’t yet given all my heart.
My lover, on this night,
Please be born for me.
Cathy Xinman’s English-language collection is entitled Where You Love Yourself. Follow Pancouver on Instagram @PancouverMedia.
