Jane Wong reads “After Preparing the Altar, the Ghosts Feast Feverishly”

The transcript is a poetic exploration of cultural heritage, familial connections, and historical events, particularly the Great Leap Forward. Through vivid imagery and culinary metaphors, it delves into themes of hunger, identity, and the desire to honor ancestors. The poem reflects on the complexities of life, death, and the enduring impact of history on personal and collective identity.

What role does the concept of love play in the poem, particularly in relation to food?

How does the poem address the idea of being 'rootless'?

What emotions are evoked through the imagery of nature and food in the poem?