Ah, poetry. In my world, it always feels like a pure vanity purchase as I still haven’t given up on the dream of becoming an intellectual. But I rarely read these buys. And when I do, it’s in full Speedy Gonzalez mode.
Until I read “A Field Guide to Supermarkets in Singapore” by Samuel Lee.
With my big books finished for the year and not wanting to start another one before my 2025 project, I had two choices: spend more time on my phone, or pick up something short and easy: poetry, ahum…The way I read my poetry is simple: Veni, vidi, vici. Bam. I have rarely connected with poetry and have vague memories of being forced to memorize poems I didn’t get. Maybe my aversion is a lingering trauma? Who knows!
So, while running through my library, I fell upon this little book. I probably bought it thinking it would give me some insights into grocery shopping and wet markets. It turns out the poems do talk about these topics, but they go so much deeper. They capture that je ne sais quoi that only a diligent observer can feel. In seconds, I felt scooped up and dropped into places of commotion.
Take the poem about a bus ride: a bag tears, oranges spill, and suddenly the passengers come alive. It was as if I was right there on the bus, watching the drama unfold in front of my eyes. Extraordinary.
As I marveled at the poem, and re-read it (aha, my dream of being an intellectual can be saved!), I discovered what poetry can really do. So few lines, so much emotion. And, more importantly, I realized that poetry and I don’t have the complicated relationship I thought we did. The real problem? I hadn’t found the right kind of poetry for me.
Samuel Lee’s poetry is crunchy, sappy, juicy. it makes me laugh out loud at the image of an orange rolling on a bus floor. Of course.
So, now, I am savoring it. One poem at a time. With a cup of tea. In a quiet moment. In a comfortable chair. I always thought I hated poetry, but Samuel Lee proved me wrong.
A converted poetry reader.
PS: Pair a poem with one of the excellent recipes in Wet Market to Table: A Modern Approach to Fruit and Vegetables. You really don’t need anything more for a great (date) night in.