“Ми тут” — When a stranger reads your words

I am touched that Kirk Lawrence-Howard chose to read my poem “Ми тут” as part of a series of poems he has been reading in support of Ukraine.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone else (definitely not someone whom I do not know) read one of my poems. I got choked up, it’s such a gift.
He also shares several links to places people can donate and offer support.

Sincere thanks, Kirk, for your support of Ukraine and Ukrainian voices. 

He also read my friend Ksenia Horobchenko‘s powerful poem, “River Near Chornobyl” from her collection, A Sky Full of Wings.

Tomorrow I’ll be posting another update for our Kickstarter as we get closer to the end of the campaign. Just over a week left, and it’s not too late to become a backer — $1 for an ebook version or $20 for a print copy of Embroidered Worlds: Fantastic Fiction from Ukraine and the Diaspora. 

Maureen Seaton (1947-2023)

I just heard the news that Maureen Seaton passed away on August 26th. I’m saddened by the loss but grateful that we will always have her poetry.
A long time ago when I was at a crossroads, Maureen encouraged me to be authentic, to take creative risks, to defy expectations, to be a poet. When I think about the people who have been muses or angels in my life, who have inspired and encouraged me, Maureen is on that list.
A beloved teacher & mentor, talented poet, beautiful soul, she will be missed.
May her words & memory be eternal.
A few links to her work:

Ukrainian Poets at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art

I was honored to return to the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago, to read with Olena Jennings, Krystia Nora, and Virlana Tkacz from the Ukrainian Poets Respond anthology. It was a lovely surprise to hear Waldemart Klyuzko talk about his experience working on the set and design for Radio 477! which just closed in NYC:

Inspired by the 1929 Ukrainian avant-garde jazz musical (the first jazz musical in Ukraine), Radio 477! has original songs and text by New York City-based Yara Arts Group in collaboration with artists in Ukraine, including Serhiy Zhadan.

  
Another the wonderful projects created by Virlana and Yara Arts. Thank you to Marta Farion for taking and sharing the following photos from the reading, and thank you to UIMA for providing us with the space, surrounded by inspirational art. Thank you also to everyone who came out to hear us read!
It is always an honor to share the stage with these remarkable artists and writers, and to be gifted with an audience that is so present and open-hearted.
We are a force when we join our voices with those across the ocean—past and present—and we are stronger together.