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“New Collection of Poetry Conjures Honolulu Chinatown Circa 1900”
Bamboo Ridge Press is pleased to announce the release of Wing Tek Lum’s third
collection of poetry, The Oldtimers. Imagining life in Honolulu Chinatown circa 1900, Lum gives voice to the forgotten pioneer generation of sojourners and settlers, detailing the trials and
temptations of this bachelor society living far from their homeland—their hard work, their
diversions, their challenges, and, even amidst the notorious plague and fire, their perseverance.
Wing Tek Lum’s poetry, renowned for its vivid imagery, emotional depth, and historical
consciousness, revives archival voices with insight and empathy. Verses in The Oldtimers reflect
on themes of displacement, labor, isolation, familial bonds and obligations, cultural heritage
and adaptation, and the preservation of traditions and values amidst the islands’ rapid growth.
Excerpt from “At Dusk”
The cook inside fires up his wok, deeply patinaed,
stir frying slices of pork belly and vegetables
then adding a dollop of his secret shrimp paste,
this tiny seed quickly blossoming into a bouquet
permeating the courtyard as the light recedes.
The oldtimer hanging his threadbare wash
revels in the savory aroma of this serendipity.
In the gloaming he breaks out into song,
his taut line of bleach-white clothes pegs
paddling in unison into the gathering wind.
For more information, call 808-626-1481, e-mail read@bambooridge.org or visit www.bambooridge.org.