Poets from China and the United States take part in the 2nd China-US Poetry Dialogue in Jindong district of Jinhua, Zhejiang province on Sept 17. [Photo/Jinhua Daily]

The 2nd China-US Poetry Dialogue with the attendance of 10 poets from the two countries took place in Jindong district of Jinhua, Zhejiang province on Sept 17.

Initiated by the Poetry Institute of China, the annual activity provides a platform for Chinese and American poets, as well as poetry scholars to review the creations of both countries and discuss possible topics and trends.

At the former residence of Chinese well-known poet Ai Qing, participants entered into a dialogue around the pursuit of new and fun topics in modern society, the modernity of poems and the interconnection of Chinese and American poetry.

Laura Mullen, a professor from Louisiana State University, remarked that the main task for poets is to find out the deep meanings of words, "All poems are constructive and give power to our life." Mullen shared her insight on the mutual influence of poems in China and US, and suggested poets pay more attention to subtle things hidden in daily life.

Wang Xiaoni, a Chinese poet as well as a professor from Hainan University, said she usually waits for poems to find her, instead of looking for inspirations and topics herself. Seeking the modernity of poems is an everlasting challenge to old ways, she noted.

Jonathan Stalling from the University of Oklahoma, one of the founders of the dialogue, highly appreciated the activity in China. He said the visit to Jinhua helped them hear the voices of Chinese poets and gave them a new angle to perceive poetry.

Besides the dialogue, the poets also took part in a reading event where they read their works to local people.

Laura Mullen, a professor from Louisiana State University shares her views at the 2nd China-US Poetry Dialogue in Jinhua, Zhejiang province on Sept 17. [Photo/Jinhua Daily]