By Sian Shin
Every year, there is a national poetry competition organized by the Young Writers of Canada, which attracts entries from hundreds of young poets across Canada. Earlier this year, Collingwood’s very own Angela Zhao was awarded the prestigious 2nd place in this competition for her poem titled “Perfume of the Seasons”.
Every since she was little, Angela felt a magnetic pull towards artistic forms of expression. When asked on how she views writing as one of her creative activities, she answered: “There’s a certain freedom to writing. It thrives on creativity and at the same time, it’s universally relatable.”
In addition to writing, Angela has other creative passions such as singing, drawing, reading, and playing the piano. Her biggest passions, however, are screenwriting and poetry writing – all of which she claims that she is equally passionate about. In reference to how she found her passion for screenwriting, Angela shares, “I’ve always loved watching movies as I was growing up. Movies have a wider audience. They’re a part of everyday life and they’re more accessible.”
As a thriving writer herself, Angela offers some important advice to her fellow writers: “Basically, read and write a lot. Just try to write as often as you can. And reading really helps with your writing – especially reading the classics.” And Angela can vouch for the importance of reading, as ever since she was little, she would immerse herself in books such as the Harry Potter series and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. She says with a smile, “I’ve always loved reading as a kid. It’s a nice way to escape the stresses of everyday life. It’s nice to create your own little world.”
Behind every great creative mind, there are always other precedent creative minds that have stood as influences. Angela shares that some of her most significant creative influences are John Keats; Shakespeare, especially his play Romeo & Juliet; and Dylan Thomas, especially his poem “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night”. Angela’s creative passions have also been sparked by other poetry of the Romantic era and scripts such as The Dead Poet’s Society.
Currently, Angela has numerous projects in her creative workings. She has been writing a variety of screenwriting scenes, short stories, and poems; and she plans on writing a complete screenplay that centers on the concept of connecting music and writing.
Looking towards the future, Angela strives to go into the field of screenwriting and hopefully become an author. She plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in English and then have the opportunity to further her growth in screenwriting in a professional film academy afterwards.
We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Angela and we are excited to see Angela’s screenplays turn into Oscar-winning films one day!
Every year, there is a national poetry competition organized by the Young Writers of Canada, which attracts entries from hundreds of young poets across Canada. Earlier this year, Collingwood’s very own Angela Zhao was awarded the prestigious 2nd place in this competition for her poem titled “Perfume of the Seasons”.
Every since she was little, Angela felt a magnetic pull towards artistic forms of expression. When asked on how she views writing as one of her creative activities, she answered: “There’s a certain freedom to writing. It thrives on creativity and at the same time, it’s universally relatable.”
In addition to writing, Angela has other creative passions such as singing, drawing, reading, and playing the piano. Her biggest passions, however, are screenwriting and poetry writing – all of which she claims that she is equally passionate about. In reference to how she found her passion for screenwriting, Angela shares, “I’ve always loved watching movies as I was growing up. Movies have a wider audience. They’re a part of everyday life and they’re more accessible.”
As a thriving writer herself, Angela offers some important advice to her fellow writers: “Basically, read and write a lot. Just try to write as often as you can. And reading really helps with your writing – especially reading the classics.” And Angela can vouch for the importance of reading, as ever since she was little, she would immerse herself in books such as the Harry Potter series and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. She says with a smile, “I’ve always loved reading as a kid. It’s a nice way to escape the stresses of everyday life. It’s nice to create your own little world.”
Behind every great creative mind, there are always other precedent creative minds that have stood as influences. Angela shares that some of her most significant creative influences are John Keats; Shakespeare, especially his play Romeo & Juliet; and Dylan Thomas, especially his poem “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night”. Angela’s creative passions have also been sparked by other poetry of the Romantic era and scripts such as The Dead Poet’s Society.
Currently, Angela has numerous projects in her creative workings. She has been writing a variety of screenwriting scenes, short stories, and poems; and she plans on writing a complete screenplay that centers on the concept of connecting music and writing.
Looking towards the future, Angela strives to go into the field of screenwriting and hopefully become an author. She plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in English and then have the opportunity to further her growth in screenwriting in a professional film academy afterwards.
We look forward to seeing what the future holds for Angela and we are excited to see Angela’s screenplays turn into Oscar-winning films one day!
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Perfume of the Seasons
By Angela Zhao I know a little place on the corner That some call Nirvana, Heaven, or bliss, And although I’ve never been there before, I think it’d be fitting to call it Home. The walls are lined with millions of books That reach up to the never-ending sky, And on the table by the crackling fire, There stand four crystal vials of sweet perfume. The owner is an old and kind woman Whose smiles and crinkled eyes light up the room. She’s warm and gentle; she’ll always be there To welcome you as if you’re coming home. Her dress is softer than light summer rain, Her hair is as white as crisp winter snow, Her skin is wrinkled like gold autumn leaves, But her eyes glimmer green like breaths of spring. I wander over to the vial of Fall, And out amble the scents of November: Pumpkin spice and roast turkey with gravy, Chai tea, old books, and glazed candied apples. Then all at once an image fills my mind – My brown puppy chasing the falling leaves – I wonder if he misses me. |
Next is the fragrance of bottled Winter, Which smells of peppermint and gingerbread. The clean scent of Christmas trees is mixed with Steaming hot chocolate, eggnog, and nutmeg. I see warm woolen mittens and snowballs, And my family opening presents – All but what would’ve been for me. Then comes Spring, the distilled essence of life. Fresh grass, earth, cherry blossoms and tulips Fill the air as warmer rains sweep the land. Honey, chocolate, and crumbly apple pie Drift with the spring breeze to a windowsill. Playing in the garden on a tire swing Are the kids that I’ll never have. Last is Summer, the perfume of hot days. Sea salt spray, chilled drinks, and shaved ice follow A walk in the beach from sunset to night. Watermelon juice runs from sticky hands. I step away and the visions are gone, The old woman smiles and embraces me. It’s time for you to close your eyes, she says, And so in peaceful bliss and quiet harmony I do as she says – I sleep. |