Xu Zhimo was a Chinese Romantic poet born on January 15, 1897 in China. He is most well-known for his 1928 poem entitled "On Leaving Cambridge." Xu Zhimo had a deep passion for poetry that began during his time at King's College, Cambridge.
Before attending King's College, Xu Zhimo studied at several Chinese and American universities. It was during his studies at Cambridge that he fell in love with poetry and began to pursue it earnestly. His time at the university was a formative period in his life, as he found literary inspiration in the works of English Romantic poets like John Keats.
Despite his success as a poet, Xu Zhimo's life was tragically cut short when he was killed in a plane crash at the young age of thirty-four. His untimely death left a void in the literary world, as he was a rising star in the realm of Chinese poetry.
Xu Zhimo's personal life was also marked by tumultuous relationships. He was initially in an arranged marriage with Zhang Youyi, with whom he had two children. After divorcing Youyi, he later married Lu Xiaoman.
Throughout his career, Xu Zhimo's poetry was characterized by its romantic themes and emotional depth. His works continue to be celebrated for their beauty and poignancy, capturing the essence of love, loss, and longing.
Although Xu Zhimo's life was tragically short, his impact on Chinese poetry is enduring. His legacy lives on through his works, which continue to resonate with readers around the world.
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