Kyo Lee Publishes Debut Poetry Collection
Kyo’s (AQF '24) debut poetry collection brings a powerful and imaginative voice to themes of identity, belonging, and coming of age.
This spring, Kyo Lee published her debut poetry collection, i cut my tongue on a broken country (Arsenal Pulp Press, 2025). The collection explores themes of Asian diasporas, girlhood, queerhood, and identity, weaving together moments of tenderness, sorrow, and hope that define the coming-of-age experience. With striking imagery—sliced rabbits, kisses in churches, peaches, and visions of the end of the world—Kyo’s work blends the intimate with the universal.
Kyo began writing the collection at just 14 years old, revising through several iterations before arriving at the finished manuscript. The result is a deeply personal and heartfelt debut, praised for its raw honesty and imaginative voice.
Alongside her literary work, Kyo is currently pursuing studies in English Literature and History at Yale University, continuing to deepen her engagement with storytelling, identity, and culture. We celebrate Kyo’s remarkable debut and look forward to witnessing how her voice continues to shape the literary landscape.