Description

where moths learn to fly away is an intimate collection of contemporary poetry that explores the transformative journey from entrapment to liberation, following the metaphor of moths learning to break free from destructive cycles of chasing the flame. Through three carefully structured movements—Liminal Traps, Hyper-awareness, and Whispers of encouragement—author Sugandha Vir Anand guides readers from the suffocating weight of familiar pain through moments of profound self-discovery to ultimately offering hope and support to others. The collection features fifteen powerful poems that tackle universal themes of mental health, personal growth, and the search for authenticity and organic growth, all written in accessible free verse that speaks directly to the modern reader’s experience. Each poem is accompanied by the author’s original surrealist illustrations, creating a unique dual journey through both words and visual art that deepens the emotional resonance of each piece. From the claustrophobic questioning of “How do you escape?” to the surprising comfort discovered in “Sound of silence,” these verses transform individual struggles into shared understanding while maintaining unflinching honesty about the difficulty of breaking free from destructive patterns. Anand’s work acknowledges the rawness of feeling stuck while celebrating the unexpected strength we discover when we finally learn to turn away from what once held us captive. The collection speaks particularly to young adults and anyone who has felt trapped by familiar pain, offering both recognition of shared vulnerabilities and hope for transformation. Written between the ages of 18-28, these carefully selected poems chart a deliberate progression that shows how the same environments that cause us pain can unexpectedly become sources of peace and growth.