"A Luxury We Must Afford"
In 1968, founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew told a room of University of Singapore students, "poetry is a luxury we cannot afford".
It's an attitude that has unfortunately persisted past its context; in many ways the country's perception of poetry isn't so different from what it was decades ago.
Still, it's moments and situations in which we have to confront the unknown, and the uncertain, when poetry can offer us solace. So here's a compilation of local poets, and anthologies we might turn to. Learn more in this blog post.
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Joshua Ip
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Math
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Sonnets From The Singlish: Upsize Edition
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Goodreads rating: 3.69
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This book of Singlish poems in sonnet form has a unique blend of cultural references and linguistic style. The poems explore love and identity while providing a glimpse into Singaporean culture and language. If you're a fan of poetry that blends tradition with modernity, this book is a must-read.
David Wong Hsien Ming
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For the End Comes Reaching
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Goodreads rating: 4.22
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David Wong's collection dives deep into the tender complexities of human existence. If you're drawn to reflective poetry that grapples with the heavy tapestry of loss and the transformation it can inspire, "For The End Comes Reaching" might resonate with you. Its interwoven themes of love, violence, guilt, and faith will offer a cathartic journey through grief and a search for meaning.
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Professions can be a good read for people who enjoy poetry with a touch of melancholy. Amanda Chong's collection captures the nuances of relationships tainted by professional demands, and the resulting heartbreak. The poems are relatable, yet unique in their observations. The glimpses of strong relationships amidst the heartaches make the book even more poignant. Overall, it is a beautiful collection of poetry that can resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of relationships.
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If you've ever felt like you're on a stage, playing roles dictated by society, "Pantomime" will resonate deeply with you. Crispin Rodrigues' poetry offers a haven away from these prescribed parts, inviting you into a contemplative walk. It's a slim volume that packs an introspective punch, perfect for anyone looking to find solace in words and question the roles we're all asked to play.
Tan Lixin
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Keeping Skeletons
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Goodreads rating: 3.55
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"Keeping Skeletons" resonates with the rebel in you who cherishes dreams despite restraints. Blending the fight to be oneself with the struggle against exterior forces, this book can ignite your inner fire. Its brevity ensures a poignant, thought-provoking experience. If you're looking to be inspired in under a hundred pages, this might just be the spark you need.
Rolinda Onates Espanola, Zakir Hossain Khokan, Joshua Ip |
Math
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Call and Response: A Migrant/Local Poetry Anthology
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Goodreads rating: 3.93
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Call and Response could be a great read for poetry enthusiasts seeking to explore the experiences of migrant and local poets. The anthology captures a diverse range of voices, with each poem being a unique prism of language that reflects and refracts the experiences of migrant workers and local residents. The creative responses from local writers add an interesting dimension to the work, creating a dialogic space where perspectives are shared and reflected upon. Overall, the book is a beautiful exploration of identity, migration, and the power of language to bridge worlds.
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If you're drawn to the lighter side of poetry with a twist of humor and oddity, "Occupational Hazards" might be just your style. Mayo Martin crafts each piece with a blend of wit and depth that keeps you amused while contemplating the eccentricities that define us. It's a book for those who appreciate poetry that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet still resonates with the profound quirks of human nature.
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Mixing Tongues could be a compelling read for those who have an interest in language play and the fusion of cultures. Heng Siok Tian's collection of multilingual poems, anthologized in various international publications, showcases her ability to seamlessly blend languages and traditions, resulting in an impactful and refreshing poetic voice. The short length of the book allows for easy reading, while the poignant and thought-provoking themes explored in the poems ensure a memorable experience.
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Pooja Nansi
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Love Is an Empty Barstool
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Goodreads rating: 4.07
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If your heart's ever been on the edge of breaking, or if it's ever been broken, Pooja Nansi's "Love is an Empty Barstool" might just resonate with your soul. It's a collection that's as complex and nuanced as your favorite single malt, offering a chance to reflect during those quiet twilight moments. This is not just a book of poems; it's a companion for the heart in need of understanding and solace.
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Sa’eda Bte Buang, Gwee Li Sui, Tan Chee Lay |
Marshall
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Singathology : 50 New Works by Celebrated Singaporean Writers
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Goodreads rating: 3.33
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Singathology showcases the richness and diversity of Singaporean literature, featuring pieces from acclaimed artists like Cultural Medallion and Young Artist award winners. The unique inclusion of mother tongue languages provides an immersive experience for readers, while English translations allow for wider accessibility. Edited by literary expert Dr Gwee Li Sui, this two-volume anthology is a must-read for those looking to discover and appreciate Singaporean literature.
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This book could be a good read for you if you're looking for a collection of poetry and prose that fearlessly explores themes of love, longing, and societal norms. Tania De Rozario's Tender Delirium is a powerful and honest expression of queer desire, told through a confessional and often dark lens. With a mix of intensity and humor, this collection will captivate you and challenge your perception of what is considered "proper" subject matter in literature. It is a celebration of love and a rebellion against societal expectations, beautifully crafted by a talented writer.
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Alfian Sa'at
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The Invisible Manuscript
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Goodreads rating: 4.02
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Alfian Sa'at's first unpublished collection of writings composed when he was 22, it was first distributed unofficially to selected friends and colleagues. Bearing passionate testimony to private and public memories, this gathering of poems and prose fragments documenting the intimate challenges of homosexual longing gives voice to an invisible minority still struggling to be recognised today. Now published at last, this book, full of fierce confessions, ambivalences and flinty epiphanies, will shock and devestate. Here is an uncompromising confluence of unfulfilled desires wrought through language by one of Singapore's most outspoken and critical voices.
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Cheryl Julia Lee
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We Were Always Eating Expired Things
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Goodreads rating: 3.8
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If the complexities of human relationships intrigue you, "We Were Always Eating Expired Things" could strike a chord. Cheryl Julia Lee's poems deftly tap into the universal yearning for connection, despite the inherent difficulties and the inexorable passage of time. It's a heartfelt and honest reflection on the human condition that might resonate deeply with your own experiences of longing and persistence.
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If you're looking to immerse yourself in a tapestry of rich imagery and profound contemplation, "Interlogue: Poetry" could speak to your soul. Kirpal Singh's collection is a perfect companion for quiet evenings where one desires both comfort and depth in verse. The publication may not be the latest, but the themes are timeless, making it a thoughtful read for poetry lovers.
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Stephanie Chan
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Roadkill for Beginners
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Goodreads rating: 4.2
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Roadkill for Beginners could be a good read for poetry lovers who enjoy unconventional themes and styles. Chan's poetry collection is a mix of love letters to places, field guides, and adventures, exploring various complex themes such as desire, moving, and belonging with a unique lyrical style. The poems feel like a celebration of life and its quirks, and readers could enjoy the vivid imagery and the raw emotions conveyed in the collection.
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S.C. Gordon, Susie Gordon |
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Harbouring
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Goodreads rating: 2.9
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This book, "Harbouring," is a beautifully written collection of poetry that explores the depths of grief and loss. Through S. C. Gordon's heartfelt words, readers are taken on a journey of navigating through the pain of sudden loss and finding solace in the power of shared love and understanding. The intimate and poignant writing captures the essence of grief, offering comfort and hope to those who have experienced loss themselves. "Harbouring" is a must-read for anyone seeking solace in the midst of heartbreak, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, love has the power to sustain and heal.
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If you've ever found yourself reflecting on your less-than-perfect decisions with a blend of humor and pensiveness, "Footnotes on Falling" could strike a chord. Joshua Ip craftily spins the awkward dance of life's missteps into verse, offering you a space to consider your own journey with a smile. The collection's self-awareness and cultural nuances might just echo your own internal monologues, making it a companion for moments of solitary contemplation.
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Joshua Ip
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Making Love With Scrabble Tiles
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Goodreads rating: 3.6
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"Making Love With Scrabble Tiles" would be a good read for someone who enjoys poetry and wordplay. Joshua Ip's collection invites readers to explore the intricacies of relationships through the lens of language, with each poem crafted from the letters found in Scrabble tiles. The book's unique approach to love and intimacy is a refreshing departure from conventional romance literature.
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Adam Tie
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Landmark
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Finders & Keepers
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Goodreads rating: 4.67
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"Finders & Keepers" could be a great read for poetry lovers who appreciate the art of weaving words and emotions together to capture a person's essence. The book offers a unique blend of personalized poems based on three words given by strangers, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. The author's ability to tap into universal human experiences through spilled ink makes this book an enjoyable and relatable read.
The Orchid Folios is a thought-provoking hybrid book that blends poetry, documentary, and fiction to explore the orchid as a symbol of Singapore's post-colonial hybridity. It unearths the history of the orchid and questions the narratives that have shaped Singapore's national consciousness. With snippets of verse, essay questions on colonialism, and advertisements for orchid-inspired products, this book challenges readers to imagine a decolonized Singapore and rethink the way history is written. It's a must-read for anyone interested in Singapore's history, identity, and culture.
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Rodrigo V. Dela Peña Jr.
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Aria And Trumpet Flourish
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Goodreads rating: 4.17
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Aria and Trumpet Flourish is a delightful collection of poetry that captures the essence of everyday life and urges its readers to pay attention to the world around them. From ghazals to abecedarians, the forms of these poems are masterfully executed. The collection takes the readers on a journey through dusty barrios, noodle shops and MRT stations. These urgent poems will stay with you long after you've read them, offering insight into the world's beauty, grace and loss.
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Caterwaul would appeal to someone looking for an emotionally resonant coming-of-age story. Champion's memoir, presented in scrapbook form, interlaces the poignant with the mundane as she recounts the pain and desire of a poorly poet in middle-class Singaporean suburbia. Readers looking for an authentic, unflinching account of growing up will find it in Caterwaul.
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Joshua Ip, Christine Chia, Cheryl Julia Lee |
Math
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A Luxury We Must Afford
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Goodreads rating: 3.59
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Recommendation: This book captures the essence of Singapore's future through a diverse collection of narratives. It takes readers on a journey of hyper-modern dreams and the struggle to maintain connection with the past. Written by talented authors, this anthology offers a powerful reflection on Singapore's evolution and the importance of poetry in an uncertain world. A must-read for those seeking thought-provoking stories that push the boundaries of imagination.
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Recommended for poetry lovers, exploring self-image.
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"Dreaming Cities" offers a unique blend of poetry and street photography, presenting a vivid depiction of the modern city landscape of Hong Kong and Singapore. As a long-time resident and associate professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Eddie Tay brings an insightful perspective to the imagery and language. The poems in this collection are both imaginative and grounded in reality, and would be an ideal read for anyone interested in the urban space and the creative intersections between poetry and photography.
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