Emelihter Kihleng: A New Voice in Pacific Literature

Harriet Hu

Ponpeian poet Emelihter Kihleng is a celebrated new voice in Pacific literature, with her debut collection of poems My Urohs exploring contemporary issues unique to the Pacific Islands.

For poet Emelihter Kihleng, the Pacific is a rich source of inspiration which she explores in her debut collection of poems My Urohs (2008). Kihleng was born in Guam, completed her studies in Hawai’i and New Zealand and identifies herself as Pohnpeian. In her works, Kihleng draws upon this rich cultural heritage, writing from a uniquely Pacific perspective and often gliding seamlessly between English and Pohnpeian.
With My Urohs, Kihleng is distinguished as being the first Pohnpeian to have a collection of poems published. The title of the collection is indicative of her thematic concerns; as Kihleng herself explains Urohs as:
‘the quintessential dress of a Pohnpeian woman as a symbol of Pohnpeian women and Pohnpeian culture. I chose to title the collection My Urohs… because the essence of the collection as a whole [is] colorful, tragic, beautiful, colonised and indigenous all at the same time’.
Kihleng writes in an intimate style that is effective in transforming ordinary events into quiet moments of intense joy; for example, in ‘Kool-Aid’, the narrator describes the eating of simple snack, popular throughout the Micronesian Islands, in tantalising detail to convey her yearning for her Pacific home.

In addition to focusing on the small details of everyday life, Kihleng also takes a critical look at contemporary issues relevant to her community, from the war in Iraq to the impact of AIDS. ‘The Gold Tooth’ comments on the erosion of tradition and culture as result of colonisation; ‘Two Pohnpeian Women Talk About Eiht (AIDS)’ presents a casual discussion of this global phenomenon between two women and hints at its devastating impact on the community. ‘Destiny Fulfilled’ uses American pop music as a starting point to reflect on Micronesian soldiers fighting in the United States armed forces.

Kihleng’s commitment to depicting the Pacific experience in a global and post-colonial context has resulted in a collection of works that offer a refreshing perspective on contemporary social and political issues relevant to Micronesians today.
By Harriet Hu

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article