SPEAK LOVE BEFORE THE SPRING
Jiang Xiaoping (蒋小平)
Before the vernal breath, be bold—speak love aloud;
Before the blossoms, whisper of their fragile fall,
Of drifting petals, and a grace distilled from age.
Before the dew, speak of the sun—
Of warmth that trembles through the tear,
Of quiet strength that glimmers in its glassy heart.
The snow withdraws in tender sighs;
Within the teacup fades the amber dusk.
Street lamps awaken, one by one—
Like aged lovers parted by a river’s width:
They cannot meet, yet still bestow
Their patient light upon each other.
Author Bio
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Jiang Xiaoping (蒋小平; also known by his pen name Jiang Yibing) is a Chinese poet and essayist from Hengyang, Hunan. A member of the Chinese Writers Association, his work has appeared in leading literary journals such as Poetry Periodical (Shikan), Stars (Xingxing), Children’s Literature, Literary World, and Works. He is the author of poetry collections Awakening and Flavors, as well as the essay collection Pure Delights of the Human World. Rooted in the landscapes and memories of his hometown, his writing often reflects on the quiet beauty of everyday life, the passing of time, and the emotional bonds that hold communities together. His poems selected for The Bellwether Review continue this lyrical exploration of dusk, homeland, and love. He currently lives in Shenzhen, China.