Street poet honors stranger's request for poem about life in a new country — and US immigrants felt that

Starting over in life can be challenging, especially when someone moves out of their home country to a completely unfamiliar environment. Additionally, it not only makes one miss their family and loved ones, but it also brings a sense of uncertainty while embracing a new culture. Facing this, a woman was wandering down the streets until her attention was drawn to a street poet with her typewriter. The female artist, Olivia Dodd—who goes by @olivia.poetess on Instagram—asked the immigrant if she could write something for her, and what came next totally blew everyone’s minds.

In a widely circulating video, a woman named Shreya Aneja wandering down the street, lost in thought, approaches the street poet to help uplift her spirits. Welcoming her warmly, Olivia asked, “What can I write for you about?” To which the immigrant responded saying she wanted to feel like her old self again. The London-based environmental designer then opened up about her struggle in moving to a new place.

“About three years ago, I moved countries, very far from Poland. But what I didn’t realize was that when you start over, sometimes you have to keep starting over again and again,” Shreya said. The woman, proud of how far she’d come, asked Olivia to pen her story, highlighting how she finally took charge of her life. A poem about repeatedly starting over and taking control of one's own happiness. The “custom typewriter” poet took her cue and produced truly magical words.

“Oh, the beginning. To begin requires sowing the seeds, picking up the pen, and the power of ‘yes, I commit.’ Over and over, we begin with each dawn. And as that sunlight falls on your shoulders, a warmth of abundance, let it in. Know the beginning was worth it. Let it soak you in the golden beauty of your divine happiness,” Olivia read aloud, dedicating the poem to her new visitor. As she handed the “beautifully” typed piece of paper to Shreya, both became emotional and shared a hug before parting ways.

Olivia, who regularly meets people seeking street poetry, found it difficult to share the poem online. “I had a story about grief and motherhood, but I felt this: the act of choosing to begin again could offer something that’s needed today,” she wrote in the caption. The poetess went on to assert that taking control of your happiness was “one of the best ways to revolt.” Her parting advice was to not let external hatred and pressure strip away everything.

The week-old heartfelt interaction has managed to strike a chord with millions of viewers, who lauded the wholesome act. “In the world of human existence, we are often so neglected that sometimes the only way to feel less alone is to seek help when we’re sad, scared, or unwell. Admitting that we’re okay can mean accepting that we may receive less support,” commented @renae_pippa_. “I left my country almost seven years ago, and I truly felt it when she said, ‘again, again, and again.’ I agree—it’s both scary and comforting to realize that, in the end, you are your own home,” remarked @nazarethconth.

You can follow Olivia Dodd (@olivia.poetess) on Instagram for more street-side poetry and uplifting content.