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Ukrainian Poet's Haiku Captures War's Tragedy
2 Jun
Summary
- Vladislava Simonova, a 27-year-old poet, gained fame in Japan.
- She writes haiku poems reflecting the impact of the war.
- Simonova transitioned from writing in Russian to Ukrainian.
In central Ukraine, 27-year-old poet Vladislava Simonova finds international acclaim for her haiku, a Japanese poetic form. While largely unknown in her home country, Simonova's work has garnered significant attention in Japan, where she has published two collections. Her poetry poignantly reflects the devastating impact of the ongoing war, capturing fleeting moments and profound emotions with simplicity.
Simonova, who previously wrote in Russian, has transitioned to Ukrainian, a process complicated by linguistic differences. Her art offers a unique perspective on the conflict, with poems written from underground shelters and inspired by the resilience of nature amidst destruction. One collection was published in Japan in 2023, followed by another in Denmark in early 2026.
Living in Poltava, Simonova navigates the daily anxieties of war, including the constant threat of Russian drone strikes. Her work, however, is noted for its underlying sense of optimism and communion with nature, even in the darkest of times. She dreams of seeing her poetry published within Ukraine.
