(Photo/Chen Cheng)

The Dongpo Academy in Dingshu Town of Yixing City, named after Song Dynasty (960-1279) poet Su Dongpo, was crowded on March 25 as delivery worker Wang Jibing shared his passion for poetry, a pursuit he has maintained while striving to make ends meet over the years.

Born into a rural family in Pizhou City, Wang dropped out of junior high school and began moving around the country for work. His varied jobs have included being a sand miner, porter, garbage collector and street vendor. Now working as a delivery worker, he usually starts his day at 5:30 am and returns home at 11:00 p.m.

During his deliveries, Wang records his ideas via voice messages on WeChat and has published several books of poetry. Passionate about poetry, he believes writing can help him maintain a positive outlook on life, stressing that "a poem inspired by life can touch the hearts of readers.”

Among the audience was Dr. Feng from a clinic in Dingshu, who was eager to attend the session. He commented, "Wang is an ordinary person like us. Listening to his words and reading his poems, I feel for the first time that literature and life are intimately connected." He added, “Wang's poems, born under the scorching sun and during his rides, emerge directly from life."

Li Jian, a worker at a ceramic factory in Dingshu, also found Wang's poems moving, highlighting the hardship and fervor of laborers. "No matter your circumstances, as long as you remain sincere and kind, life will eventually reward you," Li remarked.

The event’s organizer is Zhou Lenong, 62, also the president of the Huiren Reading Club in the town.

A literature enthusiast from a young age, Zhou’s financial constraints limited his access to books. After two decades in the clothing business, his situation improved. Ten years ago, he founded the reading club to share books, and support the cultural atmosphere in Dingshu, the birthplace of the elegant Yixing clay teapot.

He established three principles for the club: no government funding, no membership fees, and no sponsorships. Zhou also offers free book recommendations and sends selected books to members at no charge.

"Reading has enriched my life immensely, offering its power exactly when needed,” Zhou reflected.

Over the years, Zhou has had face-to-face interviews with prominent Chinese writers and Nobel laureates J. M. G. Le Clézio and Svetlana Alexievich. "The greatest gift of reading is its capacity to foster kindness. The power of literature lies in its embodiment of truth, goodness, beauty, and the quiet strength to change destinies and chase dreams." Zhou explained.