To Practice the Rhythms is one in a part of an attractive new Chinese poetry series, translated by the leading poet and translator Ouyang Yu. This collection features a number of poems in both Chinese and English from the award-winning writer Shu Cai. The covers are part of a beautiful series by Sydney-based Chinese artist Zhao Baokang.

Three Years the land, extending itself, makes one turn after another, spitting village after village, till it gives its cold light to the gaping grave…