On Sept. 21, local poet John Fang (Chinese name Fang Xi 方 莘) presented his poetry at the Piedmont home of Deede Liu and Dan Aires. As a student in Taiwan 55 years ago, Fang had already been recognized and awarded as a leading poet. More recently, with the encouragement of his daughter Etienne Fang, and assistance from Berkeley poet David Roderick, John began translating his original Chinese work into English. He is a rare poet who is able to compose in both his native language and his adopted language.
The assembled friends, family, and admirers were treated to a reading of eleven poems including his “Horsehead Nebula,” which refers to the classic characters of Homer’s Iliad, recent WWII history, and a contemporary tragedy in America, to draw connections and reveal historical patterns. Sprinkled throughout the poem are allusions to astronomical objects which John is fond of tracking at the Chabot Observatory, where he serves as Archivist and Board Member of Eastbay Astronomical Society, hence his “Astropoet” moniker.
Bilingual poet, translator, star-gazer, and Piedmont resident, Fang Xin, reading his most recent poem, “Horsehead Nebula.” 
Long-time Piedmonters, Theresa Hau, Karen Joffe, with Deede Liu in her home where the intimate event was held.
Fang Xin derives inspiration from music, especially the sounds of Chopin from which he composed four poetic Études. He has been collaborating with Holly Mead, pianist, composer, and recording artist, who composed melodies to accompany the spoken words. Holly was joined by singer and composer Carina Ho (whose performance name is “ONIKHO“). Together, they took the combination of music and poetry to new experiences as their two voices echoed and re-echoed words and phrases while the poet’s voice slowly unfurled the stanzas. The stanzas are laid out on the page in a way that suggests a musical score.
Usually shy and self-effacing, John’s personal presentation of his poetry was warmly appreciated. “I exposed myself to the Universe,” Fang confessed, as the Universe who heard him applauded.
Holly Mead, and artist, ONIKHO describing the unique arrangement of “Night falls so impatiently” 
David Roderick (left), of Left Margin Lit in Berkeley, and writing adviser to Fang Xin
Fang Xin’s poems were recently published in the New England Review (volume 44.3, 2023) and the Georgia Review (Summer 2023). Fang Xin will be having a Chinese rendition of this event in Taipei, Taiwan, on October 30th, at National Taiwan University with Holly Mead, performing his own poetry in Chinese. Renowned contemporary artist, Han Hsiang Ning has arranged the event.