In the quiet countryside of Huitong county, Hunan province, a unique initiative is transforming the lives of rural children. Li Bailin, a dedicated Chinese language teacher at Su Yu School of Hope, has been guiding her students in writing poetry for the past eight years. These children, often referred to as ‘left-behind’ due to their parents’ migration to cities for work, have found a powerful outlet for their emotions through poetry. Li’s innovative approach, known as ‘field poetry,’ encourages students to draw inspiration from nature and their personal experiences, resulting in a collection of poignant and imaginative works. One such poem, written by a 10-year-old girl, poignantly captures the loneliness of parental absence: ‘Dad is like a bird — he flies out to find food, but seldom returns to the nest.’ Li’s journey into teaching poetry began after a student’s heartfelt letter revealed the deep emotional struggles these children face. Realizing the limitations of focusing solely on academic performance, Li shifted her approach to nurture her students’ emotional well-being. Through poetry, these children have found a way to articulate their inner thoughts, fears, and hopes, offering a glimpse into their often-overlooked lives. The initiative has not only provided emotional relief but also fostered creativity and resilience among the students. Li’s efforts have garnered attention, with her students’ poems being published in ‘The Field Poetry Class,’ a collection that showcases their remarkable talent. As Li continues to inspire her students, she remains committed to helping them navigate the challenges of their circumstances, proving that poetry can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.