inspired

just returned a few days ago from a(nother) whirlwind trip to the states. this time, the main purpose was to attend the IAM encounter, but of course squeezed in as many meals and late nights with friends as possible. :)

swung by boston first and then a stay in nyc that was extended by a snowstorm (i did not complain).

a few memorable moments from the trip....

reunion of china friends in boston


catching up with mindy and carrie


massive reunion of china friends in nyc

we love red mango!!!

i've been feeling inspired lately--i suppose a combination of attending the IAM encounter, reading more poetry, and being held accountable by our community arts group to be creative and creating. the inspiration has found an outlet mainly in poetry, and writing and reading more poetry has been both relaxing and nourishing. it's also enabling me to process more and to give shape and some clarity to the jumble of feelings and thoughts often bumbling around inside me.

here's a poem i wrote today about an incident that happened this morning:


Street Scene - Shanghai

On my way to the bus stop this morning,
I saw a woman attack a man with a stool.
She hurled the wooden block with such fierce fury,
so much rage for a middle-aged Chinese lady.

He was a young man,
sitting in a newspaper kiosk,
shielded behind a wall of magazines,
pearly smiles that could not
protect him from a fearsome blow.

What had he done to ignite her anger?
Did he insult her, offend her, ignore her,
cause some kind of irreparable hurt
that would result in her picking up that lonely stool--
three slabs of wood hewn with little regard--
and catapult it towards his head
with unforgiving accuracy?

And what of the curses that rained from her curled lips,
the stool landing with a THUD on the pavement,
the crowds watching, silent, motionless,
and the young man,
who woke up this morning
and all he wanted to do
was sell newspapers
and go home.


cups of coffee: 3

mood: excited!