Image reproduced from 三立新聞網

Poet Zheng Chouyu passed away in America at the age of 92 due to heart failure on June 13 at 4 PM Beijing time. Friends and family expressed their sentiments saying: “May he reunite with loved ones in heaven, and may his poetry and music forever resonate.

Zheng Chouyu, whose birth name is Zheng Wentao, was born in Shandong Jinan in 1933, with ancestral roots in Ninghe, Hebei. He is the 11th descendant of the famous historical figure Zheng Chenggong. Zheng served as a chair professor at the University of Hong Kong and held a tenured position at Yale University where he was an esteemed poet-in-residence, profoundly influencing the next generation of poets.

Zheng's childhood was marked by extensive travels with his military father across China, and during the Anti-Japanese War, he moved with his mother to various places in the mainland. During these tumultuous times, his mother introduced him to classical poetry, which greatly influenced his later work. He moved to Taiwan with his family at the age of 16, where the new environment enriched his poetic creation.

Beginning his poetic journey at the tender age of 15, Zheng's talents quickly became apparent. Notable works include “Mistake,” “Sailor's Knife,” “Ruins,” “Little Island,” “Mistress,” and “When Fog Rises,” all of which have become classics cherished by many. His poetry is not only well-known in Taiwan but has also featured prominently in textbooks both domestically and internationally, establishing him as a modern lyrical poetry icon.

Furthermore, Zheng's poetry has been adapted into many songs that continue to be sung across streets and neighborhoods, ensuring that wherever there are Chinese-speaking communities, his verses are recited. His work is deeply rooted in classical Chinese poetry while also incorporating modern techniques, resulting in a unique poetic expression rooted in a cross-cultural perspective.

The passing of this literary giant signifies the loss of a significant figure in the literary world, but his poetry will forever resonate and inspire future generations of poets.