Phantom Pain Wings

Kim Hyesoon is a renowned feminist poet from South Korea who has won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. Her new collection, "Phantom Pain Wings," explores the memory of war trauma and the collective grief of parting through an "I-do-bird-sequence," depicting bird-human as the "I." The poem explores physical and existential struggles against power and gendered violence, mixing traditional folklore and mythology with contemporary psychodramatic realities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation

Kim Hyesoon, a prominent figure in the rise of feminist poetry in South Korea and internationally acclaimed, has pushed the boundaries of lyricism to their utmost limits. In her latest collection, Kim explores the haunting memories of war trauma and the collective sorrow of parting through a unique poetic sequence she refers to as an "I-do-bird-sequence." In this sequence, "Bird-human" serves as the central "I," emphasizing the interconnectedness between humans and birds.

Kim's remarkable essay titled "Bird Rider" sheds light on the genesis of her work. Following the passing of her father, she found solace in calling out for birds tirelessly. Her desire was to become a translator of bird language, a means to communicate with the creatures that had captivated her. What unfolds is an epic tapestry of bird ventriloquy, delving into the relentless physical and existential battles against power and gendered violence within the vast realm of grief.

Through her intensely rhythmic lines, adorned with visual puns and words that collide and then gracefully soar apart, Kim skillfully blends traditional folklore and mythology with contemporary psychodramatic realities. She draws inspiration from various sources, including cremation ceremonies, the legacies of Rimbaud and Yi Sang, the films of Agnes Varda, Francis Bacon's portrait of Pope Innocent X, cyclones, and the poignant tale of a princess trapped in a hospital. A symphony of voices and identities intertwine and emerge, existing and fading away on the wings of pain that bear their delayed resonance.

Kim Hyesoon's poetry is a testament to her unwavering commitment to exploring the depths of human experience and challenging societal norms. Her work transcends borders, captivating readers worldwide with its profound insights and poetic beauty. Through her "I-do-bird-sequence," she invites us to connect with the natural world and embrace the complexities of our shared humanity, reminding us of the power of poetry to heal, inspire, and transform.

Weight: 259g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780811231718