Other Side of Sea

Poetry, as an artform, is meant to be a reflection of humanity. The simple, challenging, nuanced, and even the unifying. When people read a collection of poems, it goes without saying that they want to see themselves reflected in it. Through his poetry collection Other Side of Sea, Xiaoqiu Qiu proves himself to be a poet whose talent is no exception to those provisions. The poems in this collection display such a deep understanding of the human condition, that it's impossible to not be impressed by its sheer depth, honesty, and compassion. Poems like "First Date" details the tender desire for a romantic connection between two people. Whereas "Birthday Alone" talks about the existential unease people feel in regards to aging and growing older. Xiaoqiu even writes eloquently about the mental ramifications the COVID pandemic has had on long distance friendships like in "Purpose of Visit." Furthermore, these poems also show his uncanny ability to mold and shift formatting into something cultural and revolutionary. Other Side of Sea has proven Xiaoqiu Qiu to be a formidable, graceful, and commanding new voice in poetry.