United Poets Laureate International - World Congress of Poets

Tang Choon James Na, pen name: Yun He, The Philippines, was born and educated in the Philippines. At age 17, he published his debut poetry collection, Melancholic Score.  More books followed: Springtime In Autumn, The Rainbow Snatcher, and The Blue Dust.  Na’s Poetry explores a range of techniques, from lyric to aesthetic contemporary forms. In the 80’s, he published two collections: Wild Plant and  In the Light of Poetry and Photography. His participation in independently funded. On its 34^th anniversary the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipina )UMPIL= conferred the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas on five Filipino writers. The award is in the highest form of recognition bestowed by UMPIL on local writers who have published exceptional works of literature in any Philippine language. James Tang Choon Na won his award for Chinese poetry.

For more information about Tang Choon James Na, Philippine poet,  please Google his name. Information for this entry has been taken from www.today.com/view/unyon-ng-mga-manunulat-sa-pilipinas-34th-national...

James Teng Choon Na also is the recipient of the Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas Mayoral Recognition Award from Naga City Government in September, 2008, http:://www.bicolmail.com

Tug-of-War

By James Tang Choon Na (pen name, Yun He)

As a child, with playmates I played

Tug-of-war, a game of strength

Counting on energy and footing

I was highly confident, sure to win or else

After middle age, tug-of-war became a life routine

Confidence shaken, reluctantly

Against the environment, against reality

I played tug-of-war lots more times

Resulting in more defeats than wins

At old age

Tug-of-war is still inevitable

But now, there is a stronger, greater

Terminally confidence crushing

Opponent--

death