Praisesong

A luminous, soul-stirring collection of poems born from the rubble of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

Heartbreaking and inspirational stories from the front lines of an unspeakable war ring out from Ned Breslin’s unique and luminous set of linked poems.

From bombed-out apartment buildings to makeshift kitchens in shattered towns, Praisesong carries readers deep into the heart of Ukraine’s unthinkable suffering—and extraordinary courage. Breslin’s clear-eyed, spiritually rich poems chronicle first-hand accounts of the miraculous service that unfolded in one of the largest humanitarian operations launched after Russia invaded Ukraine. Bombs dropped and the bullets flew as a dedicated band of workers and neighbors brought food and comfort to ordinary people caught up in the devastation of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
With fierce compassion and lyrical grace, Breslin’s poems share stories of neighbors risking all to feed the vulnerable, aid workers serving amidst falling shells, and ordinary Ukrainians refusing to abandon the elderly, the animals, and the children left behind. Raw, brave, and radiant, this collection is a testament to love’s endurance and the spark of Heaven on earth, present and pulsing in the chaos, the sorrow, and the extraordinary presence of great love that can be found in hellish places.

Praisesong is not only a work of art—it is a call to conscience. Charitable donations from the proceeds of this book will return to Ukraine to support local efforts to rebuild from the devastation, help animals orphaned, abandoned, and wounded by this war, and aid the effort to return the children taken hostage by Russia to their rightful families and country.

Read these poems. Carry them in your heart. Help carry hope back to Ukraine.

Ned Breslin is the author of Praisesong: Delivering Food on the Ukrainian Frontline which brings to life World Central Kitchen's humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine. Ned is best known for his work in international water and sanitation, leading organizations that transformed sector practice and dramatically improved lives across the world. Ned has lived and worked across many frontlines in the United States, Africa, Asia and Latin America and now lives with his wife in the mountains of Colorado.