Selected Poems

The collection features the work of Ai Qing, a pivotal figure in Chinese poetry, whose innovative use of free verse and accessible language reflects the tumultuous changes in China during his lifetime. His experiences, including exile during the Cultural Revolution and a complex relationship with Mao Zedong, inform his poignant poems of protest and longing for a brighter future. With a foreword by his son, Ai Weiwei, this collection offers a rare glimpse into the emotional depth and historical significance of Ai Qing's legacy, making it a vital read for those interested in modern poetry and Chinese history.