Inspired by photography and poetry, 81-year-old Macao-born poet, Mu Han, published a bilingual collection of poems and photographs last month.
His new book titled "Her Home, His home" consists of forty-two photos and the same number of poems written in both Chinese and English.
The book is divided into two parts, with the first section showcasing the scenery and life of Macao, while the second half captures natural wonders across Metro Vancouver.
"I hope Richmondites appreciate the place they live and enjoy the beauty around them through the book, and they can also know what Macau looks like. After finishing the book, residents might want to travel to Macao to experience the traditions and culture there," said Han.
Unlike Han’s earlier published works, this new book is a collaboration between himself and Jingxin Ye, a Vancouver-based writer and photographer. Han said that there are deeper meanings behind the book title.
"First of all, the book is put together by a male poet and a female photographer. Secondly, the book displays two places to local audiences: Macao is where we come from, and Metro Vancouver is our new home," said Han.
Ye, a member of the Vancouver Chinese Writer Association, takes her manual camera with her wherever she goes, taking hundreds of photographs when she’s not working.
After sharing her images with Han, who is passionate about creating photo-inspired poems, they came up with the idea to write a book that includes both elements.
"Poetry and photography (complement) each other. I enjoy immersing myself in breathtaking landscape photos to get inspiration for writing," said Han.
As a well-known poet from Macao, Han has spent several decades writing poems, but he never forces himself to write for the sake of publication.
"I always stick to one rule that the photo needs to inspire me first before I start working on the poetry. If the photo doesn't tell the whole story, I couldn't push myself to make up a poem. Otherwise, it will be a waste of time for readers."
Han's favourite poem from the new book is the “Alley of Passion,” a hotspot for couples nestled in western Macao. The buildings surrounding the love alley are built in a European style and painted pink, yellow, and light green.
The poem reads: "First love is like blossom in haze. Hard to see through, difficult to get hold of. Keep walking. The slope is a rugged trail like this alley. Only when you get to the top you can see the archway, indestructible by wind or fire."
Love, and most relationships, said Han, feel mysterious and mischievous – like the alley.
“You keep wondering what is going to be next. Love grows stronger as time goes by,” he said.
Han added that he welcomes anyone who holds different opinions to discuss poetry with him.
"That's the beauty of literature. It's not about how the plot of the story is being structured or how the author employs technical rules in writing, but the real beauty of the poem lies in the reader's understanding and perception."
