I personally admire their interpretation. And you will see why in a sec. Now, we’ll watch a piece from one of their performances.

They sing in Ukrainian, but if you’re curious about the meaning behind their words, I’ve found a translation of the original poem by Vasyl Stus, which you’ll see below. Do keep in mind: the trio restructures the poem in their own unique way, but that’s part of the magic.

Let’s immerse ourselves in their world ♥

They beat our snow-covered heads against
eternity, relentlessly, without mercy.
And we still fail to settle a score with
our era and to find the path of truth.
Our grief’s ice-shards grind, bash
and batter us. The shards of our pain
keep calling us to battle. But all we do is
swim behind ourselves like our own cadavers.
Our fury’s taking our breath away.
You, captive of eternity, go throw yourself
against the wall to win your freedom.
The world’s in agony, but defiant peoples
still shake the lampshade of the sky.
The stinging thorns of their screams
grow to the stars, into the cosmic blackness.

https://www.londonukrainianreview.org/posts/shards-of-our-pain-poems-by-stus

Ukrainian Voices in English: Poetic Journey from Ukraine to Bristol is a rare, curated space where Ukrainian poetry—classic and contemporary—is not just translated but thoughtfully presented to resonate with English-speaking audiences.

🌍 What makes it unique?

• It’s not a generic archive—it’s a living, breathing poetic journey.

• It blends historical depth with modern emotion, from Shevchenko to slam poetry.

• It’s interactive: you’re invited to respond, reflect, and connect.

• It’s rooted in Bristol yet speaks across borders.

Most websites offer translations. This Padlet offers experience—a chance to hear Ukraine’s soul through poetry, in a format that’s accessible, personal, and emotionally rich.

🖋️ You’re not just reading poems. You’re joining a conversation between cultures.

1. Welcome & Introduction Brief overview of the event and its purpose

2. Reading from Writings from Ukraine Live readings by Jules Ester, paired with music

3. Audience Reflection Participants comment on Padlet

4. Watch DakhTrio Performance

5. Digital Gallery Interaction Participants choose an image that resonates and share it with a short reflection

6. Explore Interactive Google Map Discover poems linked to Ukrainian locations

7. Live Reading: Molly Jessica Smith Reads Shevchenko

8. Audience Participation A volunteer reads a poem from the map aloud

9. Reflection Line Everyone shares one line or thought in the Padlet comments

10. Poetry Game: Jar of Notes A jar filled with folded notes—each containing a poem. Participants pick one, open it, and read the poem aloud to the group.

11. Poll Questions Audience responds to curated Padlet polls to share insights and preferences

Here’s how: you can pick a line from a poem in the jar or write a few words of your own. It doesn’t have to make sense. It doesn’t have to rhyme. Just let your imagination wander. Go poetic, go bold, go beautifully out of the box.