Ying'fu Street Poem by Cigeng Zhang

Ying'fu Street

Rating: 5.0


New skylight covers your old rooftops
Your hands shield your wrinkled smile
In faith, how I want to see your face
So, don't be shy - don't be so shy!

I linger by your side for a long time
like a wandering azure-winged magpie
You're dressed in a newly tailored robe
Purely white like an early fall of snow

Your shoes shine like black jade
Your hat is soft like a light cloud
Your ankle heavy like a solid castle
Your avatar magic like a flying eagle

See me coming and calling your name?
I come for my swaddle embroidered with your name
My blood flows in the birth wine you gave to me
I can't forget you as all my mind on you is the glory

My heart is a piece of hibiscus flower
I lie me down under your feet, the admirer
Do you like it? - if so, give me one more smile -
One of your most intimate smiles!

Tell me, you won't shrink with wintry coldness
Just like my love, won't fade in night darkness
Only because of love, we meet again
Only because of home, I stop for you again …

Thursday, October 27, 2016
Topic(s) of this poem: homesickness,memory
POET'S NOTES ABOUT THE POEM
Ying (鹰) , in my Chinese language, means 'eagle'.
Fu (福) , means 'happiness'.
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Daniel Brick 30 October 2016

I believe this poem is a visionary encounter with your father, and it is a wonderful thing that as you age over time year after year your love for him and the bond you share do not age for one second: they are as fresh and strong as they were last year and will be next year! // What has aged, in the sense of improvement over time, is the flow of your verse, the graceful way your meanings unfold in pitch-perfect language, and the unforced ease of expression which is far more persuasive than exaggerated speech would be. Kwai Chee Low says, your emotions shine through, yes they do, and that SHINING is a quality of your poetic voice. I have witnessed this growth in your poetic practice. Don't let my words make you self-conscious: a compliment is a form of encouragement, to make you strive for more mastery of poetry, and I will be nearby to read and share the joy of it.

2 1 Reply
Sareena Asrar 11 November 2016

Really I felt melancholic after reading this poem as i had to spend 40 days without my mum when i was six years old.

1 0 Reply
Cigeng Zhang 14 November 2016

Thank you so much Sareena for your beautiful sharing.

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Akham Nilabirdhwaja Singh 10 November 2016

Very well done, Thanks for sharing.

0 0 Reply
Akham Nilabirdhwaja Singh 10 November 2016

Very well done.Thanks for sharing.

1 0 Reply
Cigeng Zhang 14 November 2016

Thank you Akham for your kind words.Sharing is the joy.

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Pamela Sinicrope 08 November 2016

Cigeng, your verse is superb. I really enjoyed reading and rereading this special poem. I too see this as a poem about a father. The imagery, though, makes me think of a home city...which I guess is what our family is...family is place, its blood, and its people. I imagined a special man old, though still standing strong and soaring like an eagle in his mind. Your poem really swept me away and was very touching. I will save this as a favorite.

1 0 Reply
Cigeng Zhang 14 November 2016

I am so glad to read your comment.Much appreciated, Pamela.

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Bharati Nayak 02 November 2016

New skylight covers your old rooftops Your hands shield your wrinkled smile In faith, how I want to see your face So, don't be shy - don't be so shy! - - - - - With lovely flow of words, your love for your home shines through.Thanks for sharing.

3 0 Reply
Cigeng Zhang 03 November 2016

Bharati, thank you for reading the poem.Your comment is much appreciated.

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