About the Collection

Inspired by a trip to Ukraine in May 2026, 8 Poems attempts to capture the emotions on the streets of Ukraine, 4 years after the full-scale Russian invasion. Each poem has been carefully constructed into a specific shape, enabling the reader to observe the most striking images found in a war-torn country. From military patches to prosthetic legs, the collection captures the pain Ukrainians have had to endure — but also their steadfast resilience.

The title, 8 Poems, references the Ukrainian national poet Taras Shevchenko, who’s 8-poem collection Kobzar helped establish the Ukrainian national identity. Like its namesake, 8 Poems draws on the heartbreaking anguish found in Ukraine, tackling the issues facing the nation head-on. Yet despite this overwhelming pain, the poetry that prevails remains hopeful, exhibiting the determined spirit that drives the Ukrainians to keep fighting.