Anna Yin was Mississauga’s Inaugural Poet Laureate (2015-2017) and has authored five collections of poetry. Her poems/translations have appeared at ARC Poetry, New York Times, China Daily, CBC Radio, World Journal etc. Anna won the 2005 Ted Plantos Memorial Award, two MARTYs, two scholarships from West Chester University Poetry Conference, three grants from OAC and 2013 Professional Achievement Award from CPAC. She performed her poetry on Parliament Hill and has been featured at 2015 Austin International Poetry Festival and 2017 National poetry month project etc. Her website: annapoetry.com
Honeysuckles and Ladders
Last winter, helplessly
I missed snow angels
we made many years ago.
Sister, how are you?
Is the other world
peaceful and pain-free?
This year spring came late.
On the long trail I walk up and down,
thinking of those being exiled,
their shattered homes and lost families.
The honeysuckles- some yellow
and some white- just bloom，
entwined and enchanting,
fragrance lingering in the air.
I trace their vines climbing and spreading
along faded fences and worn walls.
I remember the other day
reading “Ladders” by Richard Garcia;
and imagine all ladders
collected and connected
to create one to reach heaven.
Yet, on the ground, accidently
I step on some tiny blue flowers
with the name Forget-me-Not,
too painful to call out.