Interview and review by William Chan
Macau’s oldest Chinese literary association, Pen of Macau, held its 5th Youth Literature Salon on Friday evening at Wine Macau near the Ruins of St. Paul. titled “A Time for Poetry, A Time for Living” (“詩歌有時，生活有時”), the event showcased three emerging local poets – known by their Chinese pennames as 祁紫 (Qí Zǐ) 、雪堇 (Xuě Jǐn) 、鳴弦 (Míng Xián) — alongside commentator Huo Chaoqun, providing a fresh platform for literary exchange.
Organiser and host Kam Un Loi (甘遠來), a millennial Chinese language teacher and younger member of the 1987-founded Pen of Macau group, told the Post that the salon aims to popularise poetry in Macau. “As Macau’s largest literary group, our mission is to foster connections among writers, share creative experiences, and mentor young talent. This salon reimagines literary promotion through casual gatherings – a departure from traditional formal lectures that might intimidate audiences,” said Kam.
Held in Wine Macau’s upper-floor space overlooking the iconic Ruins of St. Paul, the venue’s open layout and classical décor enhanced the immersive experience. Kam expressed gratitude for the partnership, noting the location’s symbolic blend of heritage and modernity.
While previous salons featured novels and essays by local authors, this edition spotlighted poetry rooted in Macau’s evolving urban fabric. “Ramune” by 祁紫 (Qí Zǐ) nostalgically traces childhood memories with grandparents through the lens of the retro soda bottle, while Rua dos Ervamários by 雪堇 (Xuě Jǐn) documents vanishing neighbourhood vistas. The romantic series of poems by 鳴弦 (Míng Xián) documents trivial matters and reflecting on them in words. Each poet’s segment began with Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) lecturer Huo Chaoqun’s critical analysis and appraisal followed by a brief Q&A session. Notably, instead of full recitals, the authors either shared curated excerpts of their poems or invited the audience to read them themselves to prioritise discussion. “This streamlined format encourages deeper and tighter engagement,” Kam underlined. It seems to me that the three local poets felt quite shy and hesitant about reading their own work in public. By choosing to skip the reading session, not only could this alleviate the pressure on the presenters, but it also provides the audience with the opportunity to engage with the poetry at their own pace and from their own perspectives.
When questioned about their respective creative processes, the three literary artists responded that much of their work is spontaneous. For instance, 鳴弦 (Míng Xián) humorously wrote about how he frequently distracts himself while using the bathroom, such as reading the ingredients of his shampoo bottle, after which he decided to incorporate this amusing quirk into his poem.
The evening unfolded with wine and snack tastings, as well as impromptu poetry readings by attendees, including a Taiwanese poet reading a French poem under his friend’s encouragement, dissolving barriers between artists and audience. “We’re challenging the notion that literature must be elitist. Through these salons, we’re revealing Macau’s vibrant creative undercurrents,” Kam remarked, adding that his association aims to present local literati outside Macau in the future.
Friday’s salon was admission-free and open to all. Kam added that a grand finale salon will cap off the year, reuniting all creators showcased. For more information and to read the featured literati’s poems, visit:
https://penofmacau.com/
Participants take a group photo during Friday’s literary salon at Wine Macau. – Photo provided by Kam
Organiser and host Kam Un Loi (right), commentator Huo Chaoqun (left) and the three literati (centre) talk about the poems at Wine Macau near the Ruins of St Paul’s on Friday night. – Photo: William Chan
This undated file photo shows Pen of Macau’s Kam Un Loi posing. – Photo provided by Kam
This photo taken on Friday from the upper floor of Wine Macau shows the scenery of the Ruins of St. Paul and its surroundings. – Photo: Lam Hio Man
