POETRY
Chinese Literature / Chinese Poetry
The Darkest Moments
β POEM by Anna Keiko
(Translated from Chinese)
(Nominee for Nobel Prize in Literature, 2020 from China)
My beloved, do not doubtβ
Only you remained by my side,
When lifeβs trials pressed me to the brink,
And fate itself seemed to threaten my very existence,
You were there, offering comfort and protection.
Those I once cherished deeplyβ
Both people and possessionsβnow appear fragile and unreliable.
Only you remain unwavering,
Standing with me through the darkest of times,
The emotional suffering, the physical distress.
You nourish our souls with poetry,
Wield determination as your shield,
And through steadfast faith,
Sustain this delicate existence.
Thank you, my dearest soul.
β¦.
(Self-translation fromΒ CHINESE)
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Anna Keiko
Anna Keiko, a distinguished poetess and essayist from Shanghai, China, has made a profound impact on contemporary literature. A graduate of Shanghai East China University with a Bachelorβs degree in Law, she has achieved global recognition for her poetry, with a translation into more than 30 languages and published in over 500 journals, magazines, and media outlets across the world.
Keiko is the founder and chief editor of the ACC Shanghai Huifeng Literature Association and serves as a Chinese representative and director of the International Cultural Foundation Ithaca. Her affiliations extend to Immagine & Poesia in Italy and the Canadian-Cuban Literary Union, reflecting her commitment to fostering cross-cultural literary exchanges.
Anna Keikoβs poetic oeuvre spans six collections, including βLonely in the Blood and Absurd Languageβ, showcasing her exploration of human emotions, environmental concerns, and existential themes. Her innovative style and evocative imagery have earned her numerous accolades, such as the 30th International Poetry Award in Italy and the World Peace Ambassador Certificate in 2024. Notably, she was the first Chinese recipient of the Cross-Cultural Exchange Medal for Significant Contribution to World Poetry, awarded in the United States in 2023.
Her works, including βOctopus Bonesβ and other acclaimed poems, have resonated with readers worldwide, garnering invitations to prominent international poetry festivals and conferences.
Anna Keikoβs dedication to the arts extends beyond poetry, encompassing prose, essays, lyrics, and drama, underscoring her versatility as a writer. Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2020, Anna Keiko continues to break barriers, bringing Chinese literature to the global stage.
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