“Compassion does not have to be a face-to-face relationship. Forgiveness does not imply friendship. Understanding why someone has inflicted pain on us is how we set ourselves free of the past, not how we excuse someone's behaviour so they can continue to abuse us.”

Russian poet and translator, born in 1973. She is best known for her lyrical, introspective verse that explores themes of memory, identity, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. Her translations of classical and contemporary poetry bridge Eastern and Western literary traditions.