Review: YES. Find Yourself.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 23, 2014
This is the first time since my twenties that I've picked up a book of poetry. I don't remember why I quit reading it, all I know is after this book, I'm thankful I found it again.The author begins by explaining what poetry is to him. And after reading it, I concur. It's lyrical. Every single word tells a story. I've spent the last couple of decades gobbling up best sellers, and then devouring every indie book when the Kindle came along. But I'd forgotten the sweetness of simple stanza.  It is possible to tell a story in a single page, and sometimes less. It's an art and Feng Zhou is a master.He paints Autumn. The sea and love and loss. Old China. New China. Tea, the horizon. Too many pictures to mention.There were several poems preceded by an inscription, and a few followed by an afterword. Those were most often historical tidbits and great companion pieces. Two poems deeply affected me, "The Last Words of Wang Yue" and "For Little Yueyue." At once you feel shame and despise humanity, and then find a glimmer of hope. Those were based on a very recent event and it stung to read Feng Zhou's perspective.I read this collection in a single sitting, though I don't recommend it. I didn't even wait five minutes after I was done before I bought the next book (which I've already read). But take your time. Each entry should be savored a bit. Get up, go for a walk (preferably by a seashore), then pick it up later and enjoy again. I know I will.