ASINGBOL: An Archaeology of the Singaporean Poetic Form

by Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé (Editor), Al Hafiz Sanusi, Al Lim

Invented in 2010 during an online interview with Trapeze Magazine, the asingbol is an expedient form for an expedient society, an “impossible form” for the “improbable nation” that is Singapore, borne out of impossible means. In this anthology, more than 90 writers have engaged with the form, coming up with their own expressions of it. Some attempt as close a structural reflection of the formal requirements, while others draw on the irony of the very same requirements to work in experimentation and innovation.

The contributing writers include: Al Hafiz Sanusi, Al Lim, Alice Mendoza, Amber Lin, Andrea Yew, Angeline Sim, Beatrice Bowers, Benedict Yeo, Benzie Dio, Camillia Dass, Chelsey Chow, Chng Shao Kai, Christine Ruth Tan, Crispin Rodrigues, Daryl Qilim Yam, Dave Tai Wei Jie, Deborah Emmanuel, Eric Tinsay Valles, Eva Lim, Faith Christine Lai, Foo Rui Fen Benedicta, Fu Liren, Goh Kian Wee Kevin, Goh Tze Lit Jed, Hazel Lin, Iain Lim Jun Rui, Ian Chung, Irving Paul Pereira, Jared Ho, Jeremy Teo, Jerome Lim, Jerrold Yam, Jocelyn Lau, Jonathan B. Chan, Joses Ho, Joshua Ip, Joshua Lim, Karen Oh, Keane Lee Jun Wei, Kok Wei Liang, Kristie Ng Xinting, Lai Jia Shan Lauren, Lee Min Xue, Lee Seng Leong, Loh Guan Liang, Loh Jia Tyan, Low Kian Seh, Maia Jones, Marc Nair, Marylyn Tan, Max Pasakorn, Megan Cheah Shi Ying, Megan Chua, Min Lim, Morris Yang, Muslim Sahib, Natalie Wang, Ng Yi-Sheng, Ng Yong Zhin, Ng Yu Ci, Ouyang Yingzhao, Pallavi Narayan, Pamela Seong Koon, Patricia Karunungan, Paul Jerusalem, Qamar Firdaus Saini, Rachel Tan, Renata Dharma, Rodrigo Dela Peña Jr, Ruby Thiagarajan, Russ Hoe, S. Mickey Lin, Samuel Caleb Wee, Sarah Tan Shu Ling, Sean Francis Han, See Wern Hao, Serene Chew, Sheila Hong Kai En, Shilpa Dikshit Thapliyal, Stefanie Yeo, Stephanie Chan, Tan Xiang Yeow, Teh Su Ching, Teo Dawn, Thomas Ang, Timothy Wan Zhu-An, Tse Hao Guang, Vidhyashni Parimalan, Wong Si Jia, Yew Jen Khai, Yong Shu Hoong.

Genres: Poetry

136 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2017

About the author

Desmond Kon Zhicheng-Mingdé is the author of an epistolary novel, a hybrid work, a neo-noir proem suite, and six poetry collections. Founding editor of Squircle Line Press, Desmond has edited over fifteen books and co-produced three audio books, several pro bono for non-profit organisations. Trained in publishing at Stanford, with a world religions Master’s from Harvard and creative writing Master’s from Notre Dame, his honours include the PEN American Center Shorts Prize, Poetry World Cup, Beverly Hills International Book Award, Living Now Book Award, Independent Publisher Book Award, National Indie Excellence Book Award, and USA Regional Excellence Book Award.