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"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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Interlogue: Poetry
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Kirpal Singh | Ethos Books

Interlogue: Poetry

from $3.90 Save up to 38%

Goodreads rating: 1.0

from $3.90 Save up to 38%

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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.
Caterwaul - Thryft
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Jennifer Anne Champion | Math Paper Press

Caterwaul

from $6.97

Goodreads rating: 3.76

from $6.97

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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.
Finders & Keepers - Thryft
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Adam Tie | Landmark Books Pte Ltd

Finders & Keepers

from $3.90 Save up to 51%

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.
Aria And Trumpet Flourish - Thryft
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Rodrigo V. Dela Peña Jr. | Math Paper Press

Aria And Trumpet Flourish

$6.71 from $4.70 Save up to 30%

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$6.71 from $4.70 Save up to 30%

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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.
Call And Response: A Migrant/Local Poetry Anthology - Thryft
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Rolinda Onates Espanola, Zakir Hossain Khokan, Joshua Ip  | Math Paper Press

Call And Response: A Migrant/Local Poetry Anthology

from $7.62

Goodreads rating: 3.93

from $7.62

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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.
A Luxury We Must Afford - Thryft
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Joshua Ip, Christine Chia, Cheryl Julia Lee  | Math Paper Press

A Luxury We Must Afford

from $7.50

Goodreads rating: 3.59

from $7.50

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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.
Singathology : 50 New Works by Celebrated Singaporean Writers - Thryft
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Sa’eda Bte Buang, Gwee Li Sui, Tan Chee Lay  | Marshall Cavendish Editions

Singathology : 50 New Works by Celebrated Singaporean Writers

from $15.65

Goodreads rating: 3.33

from $15.65

Out of stock

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.
Dreaming Cities - Thryft
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Eddie Tay | Math Paper Press

Dreaming Cities

from $5.91

Goodreads rating: 3.72

from $5.91

Out of stock

"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.