Xiao Yang and Ma Li

Author: Yang Li
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-07-01
Features: The third generation of Chinese poetry movement in the 1980s gave rise to numerous poetic groups and schools. Although the vibrant poetry movement has passed, it is undeniable that the outstanding poets active in the 1980s created poetic miracles. Their works have never been systematically and comprehensively collected for publication. This volume showcases the exceptional writing and linguistic marvels of ten poets, some already renowned and others yet to emerge. Contemporary Chinese poetry has spanned nearly three decades since the 1970s. Despite the distinct spiritual atmospheres and material forms in each period, poets have achieved remarkable accomplishments. These achievements have directly or indirectly influenced modern Chinese, bringing profound and significant changes to the language. As a written language, modern Chinese has gradually matured and refined through the efforts of generations of poets. Over time, this will become increasingly evident. The purpose of this poetry anthology is to trace the lineage of contemporary Chinese poetry, systematically and valuably introducing outstanding poets and their works, aiming to fill the void in mainland Chinese poetry publishing. Little Yang and Mary includes 90 poems by Yang Li from 1984 to 1996, a span of 12 years. Among them, 77 are short poems and 9 are long poems. Selected personally by the author, most of these works are beloved and familiar to a broad readership and young poets. They have all been collected for the first time. Yang Li once said, "Whether I lived in the Tang Dynasty or in the future, I would still write High Places." We cannot verify this statement, as Yang Li did not live in the Tang Dynasty or the future. However, another remark fully illustrates Yang Li's significant role in contemporary Chinese poetry. The statement is as follows: "Without Yang Li's poetry, contemporary Chinese poetry would definitely not be what it is today." This comes from the mouth of an opponent. Yang Li believes that his poems are very easy to read—or, to read them is very enjoyable. For readers, this should be most important.