Poet Lo Fu Passes Away at 91, Remembered as One of Chinese Literature’s Twin Stars Alongside Yu Guangzhong

The world of Chinese literature has lost one of its brightest lights. Lo Fu, the legendary poet often called the “Poetry Magician” and celebrated alongside Yu Guangzhong as one of the twin stars of contemporary Chinese poetry, passed away on March 19 at the age of 91. His departure comes just three months after Yu’s passing, marking the end of an era for Chinese literary arts.

The Life and Legacy of a Literary Giant

Born Mo Luofu in 1928 in Hengyang, Hunan, Lo Fu graduated from Tamkang University’s English Department and later taught foreign languages at Soochow University. In 1954, he co-founded “Epoch Poetry Quarterly,” the longest-running Chinese poetry journal, serving as its editor for decades. His innovative use of surrealist techniques earned him the nickname “Poetry Magician” and established him as a dominant voice in modern Chinese literature.

Literary Achievements and Global Recognition

Lo Fu’s remarkable career included a Nobel Prize nomination in 2001 for his epic poem “Driftwood.” His 1974 collection “Magic Songs” was selected as one of Taiwan’s literary classics in 1999, and he was voted the most significant contemporary Taiwanese poet. In 2011, he received the inaugural Confucius International Literature Prize, cementing his status as a literary icon.

The Twin Stars of Chinese Poetry

The comparison between Lo Fu and Yu Guangzhong as twin stars reflects their parallel significance in Chinese literature. Like the celestial twins Castor and Pollux, these two poets illuminated the literary landscape with complementary brilliance—Yu with his lyrical elegance and Lo Fu with his mystical, boundary-pushing verse.

A Voice of Longing and Homeland

Despite living abroad for nearly 70 years, Lo Fu maintained a profound connection to his homeland. His poetry frequently explored themes of displacement, memory, and the complex relationship with one’s roots. His famous line “Why do wild geese return to Hengyang? Because of the wind’s reason” captures this enduring attachment to his origins.

Remembering Through Verse: Selected Poems

Boundary Gazing Toward Home

This powerful work, written during a 1979 visit to Hong Kong when Yu Guangzhong accompanied him to gaze toward mainland China through binoculars, captures the agony of separation. Like Yu’s “Nostalgia,” it has become an iconic expression of the immigrant experience and longing for home.

Lotus Flowers Clamor

In this beautifully tranquil piece, Lo Fu demonstrates his mastery of imagery and metaphor, comparing a loved one to the quietest and most graceful lotus in a bustling pond—a perfect example of his ability to find profound meaning in natural scenes.

Life

This poignant work reveals Lo Fu’s attention to everyday struggles and the poet’s place in society, blending mundane details with deep philosophical undertones.

An Enduring Legacy

Lo Fu’s work has been translated into numerous languages including English, French, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, and Swedish. He served as a visiting professor at several universities, including Beijing Normal University, Nanhua University, and Huaqiao University, influencing generations of writers and scholars.

His passing represents not just the loss of a great poet but the closing of a significant chapter in Chinese literary history. Yet through his extensive body of work—from “Wound of Time” and “River of Souls” to “Driftwood” and beyond—his voice will continue to resonate, inspiring readers and writers for generations to come.