Writers’ association recruits online poet
Print Edition
A POVERTY-stricken disabled poet has been given a top position in a writers’ association in her hometown, signaling mainstream recognition for a woman who became an Internet hit in a period when modern poetry has generally lost favor.
Yu Xiuhua, 39, was elected vice president of the writers’ association of Zhongxiang, Hubei Province on Wednesday.
Known as China’s Emily Dickinson, Yu, who has cerebral palsy, has written more than 2,000 poems despite never having been to college.
“Her verse portrays rural life. It’s sincere and touching,” said Zhou Hua, the association’s executive vice president.
Although Zhou said the association had been aware of Yu for 14 years, the honor only came after her poem “Cross Half of China to Accost You” went viral on social media, a rare example of enthusiasm for modern poetry among the public.
Many people have said they appreciate the insight into a life of hardship in Yu’s work, while others have shrugged off the poems’ artistic value, believing that she shot to fame simply because of her physical condition. Despite the divided opinion, Yu will see two collections of her poems published next month.
“I haven’t seen such poems for many years,” said Chen Xinwen, deputy director of Hunan Literature and Art Publishing House, which will publish one of Yu’s collections.
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