Ma Zuoji (1922-2017) [Photo/sxrb.com]

Ma Zuoji, professor of Shanxi University’s Literature School, poet, editor and scholar, known throughout China, passed away in Taiyuan, Shanxi province on Jan 7. He was 95 years old.

A memorial for Ma was held on Wednesday, Jan 11 in Taiyuan.

Born in Datan Village of Xinzhou City in 1922, he led a nomadic life during his childhood, after he and his family had to escape war and seek refuge in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. He returned to Shanxi after the victory in China's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45). Ups and downs during this period helped shape his character and thoughts, influencing his writings in later life.

He received his bachelor’s degree in pedagogy from Shanxi University in 1950 and stayed on to teach at the school after finishing his education there. During his years at the university, he held the roles of professor and deputy director of the institution’s literature department, and was also head of its writing research office.

Throughout his life, Ma was involved in activities outside the academic world. At various times he was a member of the Shanxi Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles, Shanxi Writing Association and Chinese Poetry Society, as either a committee or council member. He was also elected president of the province’s Poets’ Association, and became chief literary editor of a magazine. In 1978, he became a member of the China Writers’ Association.

He became adjunct professor at the Shanxi Institute of Socialism, Shanxi province’s only higher education institute targeting political science.

As a prestigious published poet, Ma earned his reputation with publications including Wuxian Qin (literally string instrument without strings), Dream as Before, and Night in Tokyo, which won provincial awards.

Ma Zuoji is mourned by colleagues, friends, fellow writers, and students such as Zheng Xueshi and Li Du. But his spirit will live on in their hearts and in the body of his words.