In their own words — Southeast Asian poetry

Over the last few months the Southeast Asia Globe has run a series focusing on poetry, both contemporary and historic. For those looking to expand their understanding of Southeast Asia through artistic and enchanting local perspectives, this poetry series is for you…

For those of us raised in the West, during a time of relative peace, it can be difficult to access many of Southeast Asia’s complexities — as a whole the region has a history that can be difficult to digest. Colonization, war, genocide, dictators and military rule have shaped current day Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar in ways most of us can’t imagine. Add to this rich cultural histories, strong beliefs anchored in the spirit life, rebirth and Buddhism and there is an ocean of understanding to cross.

Our guests often look for suggestions of reading materials to help them prepare to make sense of the wonder that these stunning countries illicit. We previously shared Beneath the Lantern’s Glow, an illustrated book that gets to heart of region with its watercolor paintings and whimsical descriptions.

Today we feature a series published by the Southeast Asia Globe that examines each country through the lens of a selection of its poets. Poetry has always been used a way of expressing the inexpressible. Whether an instrument to conceal true meanings from the a tyrannical government or to express untold joy or sorrow, the Globe’s features, selected by UK poet Nathan Thompson offer a unique glimpse at Southeast Asia’s unique way of life. So go on, click the links below to explore poets from each country’s literary scene.

From Laos, the magazine features a pair of writers from the Hmong ethnic group. Recruited by U.S forces during the during The Secret War. Their poetry is a powerful glimpse at a what the Hmong minority group have faced since the end of the conflict.

From Cambodia two modern poets are featured. While one touches on the haunting of the country’s past with the Khmer Rouge, the other focuses on the darkness and hope of current politics. Speaking for the post-war generation, this duo presents contemporary examples of the written word.

From Vietnam realism meets the spiritual experience with the artists chosen. A broad view of Vietnam is given from the political to the banal.

From Myanmar Thompson looks at the long history of poetry in Myanmar, as well as the challenges that come with translating verses written in an unknown language.

Bonus: Love in the Region — A glimpse at some Valentines Day poetry from Thailand and Myanmar.