Winter Sun
Poems
Shi Zhi has significantly influenced Chinese poetry since 1968, when his poems circulated as secret manuscripts during the Cultural Revolution. He articulated the hopes of disheartened youth and, after a period of obscurity, emerged as a key figure in the modern Chinese poetry movement of the 1980s. This bilingual collection presents his most important works, marking the first comprehensive publication of his poetry in English, accompanied by an afterword from the poet. Born Guo Lusheng in 1948 during the Chinese Civil War, Shi Zhi joined the People’s Liberation Army at twenty-three but faced early discharge. He endured severe depression, spending nearly three decades in mental hospitals under harsh conditions. Adopting the pen name Shi Zhi, meaning “index finger,” he wrote poetry that reflected his tumultuous journey from fame to institutionalization and a redemptive return to society in 2005. His voice, marked by exile and illness, resonates with the spirit of his generation and continues to inspire young readers. Organized chronologically, this collection allows readers to trace the evolution of Shi Zhi’s work, showcasing his growth as a poet. Translated by Jonathan Stalling and featuring an introduction by poetry critic Zhang Qinqua, this landmark collection ensures that Shi Zhi’s impactful poetry will engage readers worldwide for years to come.
