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 new English-language poems, “Ode to the New Spring and New Year”, which she wrote in advance of Lunar New Year. Xinman is also a screenwriter who was honoured with a golden statuette at the San Francisco International New Concept Film Festival in 2023.
Ode to the New Spring and New Year
Time, you have granted us the Spring again.
You were born with the name of Spring.
I pray that you love every person,
Love peace and connect the world,
Love us as we walk safely,
Love AI without it ruling over humanity,
Love humanity with even greater wisdom,
Love those who harbor hatred, drifting and homeless.
When the stars blink,
We peacefully enter our dreams.
When the night ends,
We welcome the new day.
May we greet each other,
May love and spirit be awakened.
Please help us relax,
Give us inspiration,
Grant us the power of kindness.
The eyes of a mother,
Sweet tears.
Please give us the name of reunion,
Heal all sorrow.
May you love my eyes,
When I look at you,
You are loving me.
Cathy Xinman’s English-language collection is entitled Where You Love Yourself. Follow Pancouver on Instagram @PancouverMedia and on Bluesky @pancouver.
