Karolina Pawlik is a Shanghai-based researcher, lecturer and writer of mixed Polish and Russian origins. Trained in anthropology, she is mostly interested in visual culture, especially typography evolving in Shanghai since the Republican era. Some of her poems in Polish have been published in Poland. “Migraintion” is the first poetry series she has written in English. 

 

*

my roots grow secretly
into a path
for lonely wanderers

 

*

the boundary evolved
and hope
is the only way in

 

*
an exercise in trust and patience
Lent
in the entry-exit office

 

*
word embolism
I learn to live
on moonless nights

 

*
haiku half-dreamed
Wet Monday morning
downpour on my old roof

 

*
less light
is more renewal
moon lesson at the crossroads

 

*
the only clarity
is of this night
received with gratitude