This book presents the life and writings of Armenian poet Hmayeak Shems (1896-1952). The Armenian Genocide of 1915 devastated Shems, who lost his family and home and wandered for years in exile. Yet from debilitating isolation, Shems found a lyrical mastery of Armenian identity and modern spirit. Illuminated by his poetry, this biography chronicles his travels, encounters, and thought to reveal a more compelling and complete portrait of Shems than previously known.