Catrin Cheung

Raised in Llanfairpwll and now based in Dyffryn Nantlle, Catrin Cheung is a Welsh/Cantonese writer who began writing poetry in earnest during the Covid-19 pandemic as a means ‘to understand and process’ her feelings. Initially drawn to poetry as a means to ‘uncover feelings that were difficult to vocalise’ she now uses the medium to explore her mixed heritage. As a first-language Cymraeg (Welsh) speaker and second-generation Cantonese immigrant, she uses poetry to ‘navigate the tension between these cultures,’ saying that ‘it helps me explore my identity, feelings of marginalisation and loss of my Cantonese heritage’. Writing bilingually in Cymraeg and English Cheung is interested in how her voice and expression changes between the languages.

Among the many aspects of poetry which Cheung feels great affection for are its conciseness – of ‘how such few words can capture a fleeting moment or feeling so precisely’ – and its moments of inspiration. She greatly enjoys reading the work of other poets ‘as it feels like such an intimate act’ and she ‘loves to be taken on a journey’ by experiencing poetry from diverse voices.

‘It’s always a surprise when I read a new poem, and I never know if I’ll be moved to tears, laugh or left feeling agitated – anything can happen within the space of a few seconds!’

Cheung believes ‘good poetry is timeless’ and her inspirations reflect this, ranging from 13th century Persian poet Rumi and the classical Chinese poets to Sylvia Plath and modern voices, like Ocean Vuong and Mary Oliver, that explore nature and spirituality. She is also influenced by RS Thomas, ‘who wrote openly about Welsh culture and identity’ and is a great admirer of Welsh-language poets, particularly Mererid Hopwood ‘whose poems combine themes of compassion and belonging with a mastery of the strict Welsh meter of Cynghanedd’.

Having recently returned to North Wales after many years away, A Poet in Every Port offers Cheung a welcome opportunity to ‘engage and connect to the local community through poetry’. She adds, ‘I believe very strongly in amplifying diverse voices, especially ones that are less prominent on the literary scene. I’m well aware of the regional disparities in opportunities and access to literature [and so] it means a great deal to me to be granted this opportunity to increase the accessibility of poetry in Caernarfon’.