Knarik O. Meneshian was born in Austria. Her father was Armenian and her mother was Austrian. She received her degree in literature and secondary education in Chicago, Ill. In 1988, she served on the Selection Committee of the McDougal, Littell “Young Writers” Collection—Grades 1–8, an anthology of exemplary writing by students across the country.” In 1991, Knarik taught English in the earthquake devastated village of Jrashen (Spitak Region), Armenia. In 2002–2003, she and her late husband (Murad A. Meneshian), lived and worked as volunteers in Armenia for a year teaching English and computer courses in Gyumri and Tsaghgadzor. Meneshian’s works have been published in "Teachers As Writers, American Poetry Anthology" and other American publications, as well as Armenian publications in the U.S. and Armenia. Knarik is the author of A Place Called Gyumri: Life in the Armenian Mountains. She has also authored a book of poems titled Reflections, and translated from Armenian to English Reverend D. Antreassian’s book titled "The Banishment of Zeitoun" and "Suedia’s Revolt" She began writing at the age of 12 and has contributed pieces to The Armenian Weekly since her early teens.
Knarik, your poem ‘Spring Has Come’ is a wake up call to all Armenians. In your subtle,
thoughtful and meaningful use of words, you are urging us to look beyond the beauty of Spring and see the ‘invasive weeds’ that are creeping into our land, capable of destroying it, if we do not act decisively. Armenia, under its present, inept and weak leadership, is in a precarious position today. You compel us to take action now, energized by the words of Khrimyan Hayrik, ‘Let us stop crying! Let us fight!’ Thank you, Knarik, for once again using your talent with words to ‘Awaken’ us to think, and act!
Very symbolic poem! Short yet packed with the deep strife between the beauty of nature and the destructive elements!