An NCEA history exam this year included a poem by Lionel Terry, a white supremacist and cold-blooded murderer. Chris Tse, who wrote a book inspired by Terry’s victim, explains why the exam question has caused such hurt within the Chinese New Zealand community. I have a complicated history with Lionel Terry, and it pains me … Read more
A new poem by Chris Tse. (Turquoise: Art & Magic) Rothko Chapel, January 2014 A room in which my hushed mind was a kaleidoscope waiting for light. I thought about the past year and the absences I allowed to fill me. I thought I’d never rid myself of the intimacy that pained my … Read more
Entries for the National Schools Poetry Award close in just over a month. Here, 2019 judge Chris Tse revisits the “surprisingly inspiring” poetry of his teenage years. The story of how I fell into writing poetry is peak teenage life: I was angsty and my friends were doing it. I could’ve turned to stronger vices … Read more
New poetry by Wellington writer Chris Tse. The Magician—Notes on distraction Every time I turn to see where I should be looking I see my reflection. ~ There is so much of the world within reach from your desk—screens within screens, and holes within holes—tails wagging dogs, and newspapers crying wolf. … Read more
New verse by Wellington writer Chris Tse. Release Not before I stir you from your sleep, and ask whether this is the last time I’ll see you before you hop that plane for Sydney. We’ll hold each other, cheek to cheek, when we both hear the answer. Not before you slip on your trousers, hunt … Read more
New verse by Wellington writer Chris Tse. Selfie with landscape Let’s unpick what you think you know about me—what I’ve revealed, what I’ve left at the door of my favourite wolf, just for him to make eye contact the next time we pass in the street. Those stories all had emergency exits, just like … Read more
New verse by Wellington writer (and winner of the 2016 Ockham New Zealand national book award for best first book of poetry) Chris Tse. Chris Tse and His Imaginary Band We were brighter when the world didn’t know about us or our rock n’ roll dreams. Now we dress in black, but we’re not … Read more
Poet Chris Tse won two awards at last night’s Ockham NZ Book Awards – best first book of poetry, and best dressed male. He tells the truth about those swans on his shoulders. Something I wasn’t prepared for heading into the Ockhams ceremony was the number of people who would want to touch me. I … Read more