Taiwanese Poetry Master Huang Teng-hui Dies at 95, Ministry Honors Legacy

Huang Ten-hui, a renowned Taiwanese poet and founder of the Li Poetry Magazine, passed away on the 21st of this month at the age of 95. Since the mid-20th century, Mr. Huang had injected new life into Taiwanese modern poetry with his unique perspective and delicate brushstrokes. News of his passing has brought deep grief to the literary community and readers at large, while also prompting a re-evaluation of his significant standing in the history of Taiwanese literature.

Since its inception, the Li Poetry Magazine has served as a vital vehicle for the development of poetry in Taiwan. Through his commitment to the purity and innovation of poetry, Huang Ten-hui transformed Li into a platform that brought together both veteran and emerging poets for cross-disciplinary creation. The magazine not only published works by many up-and-coming poets but also provided opportunities for the rediscovery and recreation of traditional verse. Personally overseeing the editing process, Mr. Huang's rigorous review of submissions and his pursuit of poetic linguistic sensibility earned Li high acclaim within Taiwan's literary circles.

Huang Ten-hui's literary style combined Eastern poetic imagery with Western free verse forms, exerting a profound influence on subsequent generations of Taiwanese poets. Many renowned poets published their debut works in Li, where they also received peer recognition and inspiration. Mr. Huang himself frequently participated in international poetry exchanges, propelling Taiwanese poetry onto the global stage and fostering a dialogue between Taiwanese literature and the world. His works are not only celebrated as classics domestically but are also highly regarded in overseas literary journals.

To honor Mr. Huang Ten-hui's exceptional contributions to Taiwan's culture and literature, the Ministry of Culture will soon posthumously present him with a Presidential Citation. The citation is one of the nation's highest honors for individuals with outstanding achievements in cultural enterprises, symbolizing national recognition of his artistic creation and cultural promotion. This gesture is not only a tribute to Mr. Huang's personal life and talent, but also demonstrates Taiwan's determination to keep its literature shining brightly on the global cultural stage.

The passing of Mr. Huang Ten-hui has left many literary workers who once worked with him or were inspired by him with a deep sense of loss. However, the cultural space he created within the Li Poetry Magazine, along with his passion and persistence for the art of poetry, will forever remain etched in the annals of Taiwanese literature. Future poets and readers will continue to explore the infinite possibilities of poetry under the spiritual guidance of Li. (Source: Central News Agency)