Ling Ge is an immigrant author based in Toronto. She is a graduate of The Writer Studio at Simon Fraser University. Her short stories have appeared in Spadina Literary Review, Ricepaper, and are forthcoming in Infusion: An Anthology of Asian Diaspora Writers. Her first published short story was nominated for the 2020 Pushcart Literary Prize. Her poems have appeared in Ribbons, Wales Haiku Journal, emerge 23, and are forthcoming in Canadian Literature. You can read her poem, A Never Ending River, in the April 2024 issue.
Would you like to tell us a little bit more about your poem? For instance, how or why you wrote it, or perhaps provide some extra context?
As a first-generation Chinese immigrant, I always think about why we came here. Our civilization was defeated in our homeland but continues with us as we migrate. When I showed an early draft of this poem to my workshopping group at The Writer’s Studio, some of my classmates told me that this is also applicable to other cultures, which encouraged me to share this poem with more readers.
Why was the poetic form the best fit for this particular piece of work?
This poetic form can be read in multiple ways, and each way reflects the same theme. This is in accordance with the spirit of this poem. No matter where you go, there is a never-ending river that takes you to your spiritual home.
How do you revise your work?
I try to think about what my editor might suggest and revise my work from an editor’s point of view.
What are you working on now?
I am working on my chapbook, “Snow Flowers”. It is expected to be published by Anstruther Press in January 2025.
How do you make space for poetry in your daily routine?
I try to spend at least half an hour everyday on my poetry projects. When my schedule becomes really tight, I write poems in my mind during my breaks, when I eat, and on my commutes.
How did you begin writing poetry? Was there a specific inspiration or reason?
In 2009 which was the second year I came here, my Grade 11 English teacher accused me of plagiarism. She said to me, “English is your second language, how can you have this poetic tone? You must have plagiarized.” Since then, I planned to write poetry to prove that I had not plagiarized. Nowadays, I write poetry to share my talent with the world.
In terms of poetic style or craft, is there a big question you are trying to find an answer for?
I believe every poem needs a form tailored to its theme and musicality, and thus I try to create a different form for each of my poems. I am still seeking my own poetic forms.