An Exploration of Liu Zhaohui 's Poetics

Abstract

Liu Zhaohui’s poetry anthology Whispering to the Wind (听风私语) offers an introspective exploration of memory, existential reflection, and the human condition, blending classical Chinese poetry’s emotional intensity with modern free verse’s introspective depth. Her style is marked by fluidity, sensory focus, and minimalist language, using precise words to evoke vivid imagery and emotions, shaped by her “spiritual exile” experiences. Key themes include memory’s impermanence, the tension between idealism and reality, and life’s transience. Her work stands out for its individuality, rooted in personal experiences, with first-person narration fostering intimacy and a strong sense of place. Four poems listed in the article exemplify these themes, exploring mourning, identity, impermanence, and unfulfilled desires, respectively, through evocative imagery and emotional depth.