Yang Du, a writer based in Taiwan, has captivated global audiences with a poignant poem reflecting on intergenerational bonds and the enduring presence of maternal love. The work, shared this week, draws parallels between childhood memories and adult longing through the metaphor of a watchful cat – a symbol of patient anticipation passed from mother to child.
The narrative spans decades, beginning with Yang's university years in Taipei when his mother awaited his returns at train stations. Her feline vigilance evolved as Yang later traveled abroad for work, yet persisted until her passing. Now, the writer finds himself adopting the same metaphorical watchfulness, yearning for maternal visits in dreams.
This lyrical exploration of filial connection has sparked particular resonance among Asian diaspora communities, with many readers describing it as "a mirror held up to our transnational experiences." Academics note its significance in contemporary Sinophone literature's examination of displacement and cultural memory.
