‘Beautiful’ poems by late Cambodian Buddhist monk tackle horrors of Khmer Rouge in new book

Late monk’s poems revisit Khmer Rouge in new book

LOWELL, Mass. — A new book of poetry from a late Cambodian Buddhist monk in Lowell is set to be published.

The book, scheduled for release Thursday at Middlesex Community College in Lowell, describes the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime through the eyes of Ly Van Aggadipo. (AHG’-gah-DEE’-poh)

Organizers took two years to translate the works handwritten in classic Khmer. Followers of the monk found the poems on a notebook the day he died in January 2008.

In addition to the poems, the book entitled “O! Maha (OH MAH’-ha) Mount Dangrek,” will also feature photos of Cambodian refugee camps from Pulitzer-prize photojournalist Jay Mather.

The book’s editor, Samkhann Khoeun (SAM’-Khan COW’-un), said Cambodian musicians and spoken word artists are scheduled this month to go on a 14-city tour to promote the book.