Romanian poet Mircea Dinescu will join the prestigious Poems on the Underground program in London, with his work featured in the upcoming winter edition launching February 9, 2026. The winter collection will showcase Dinescu’s verses alongside works by five other poets, including Jane Hirshfield and Kobayashi Issa, continuing the program’s tradition of bringing poetry to commuters across London’s transit system.
The Poems on the Underground initiative, which began in 1986 based on American writer Judith Chernaik’s concept, displays poetry in train carriages throughout the London Underground network. The program aims to make journeys more stimulating and inspiring for millions of daily travelers. Dinescu’s inclusion marks a continuation of Romanian representation in the program, following previous features of Romanian poets Marin Sorescu and Nina Cassian. Sorescu’s poem “Perseverance” had been previously displayed in February 2020, 24 years after his death.
In addition to the train displays, the program is expanding with historical installations at five selected stations. Aldgate East, Heathrow, Seven Sisters, St. John’s Wood, and Westminster stations will host the first 100 poems from the program’s history, including classic works by William Wordsworth at Westminster station.
The winter edition will feature a diverse collection of voices, including Rachel Boast’s “Syzygy,” Jonathan Davidson’s “A Short Piece of Choral Music,” and Blake Morrison’s “Narcissus.” Kobayashi Issa’s haiku will appear with original calligraphy by Yukki Yaura, highlighting the program’s international scope.
Coinciding with Dinescu’s feature, the program celebrates its 40th anniversary with events including a special gathering at Bank Tube station on January 30. London poets with featured works will attend this commemorative celebration, which includes poetry readings from staff poets and enthusiasts. The selection committee, consisting of Judith Chernaik, George Szirtes, and Imtiaz Dharker, carefully curates each edition to represent diverse poetic voices. The celebration aims to honor four decades of bringing poetry to millions of Underground users who have enjoyed these literary moments during their commutes.
Transport for London is publishing a free leaflet titled “40 poems for 40 years of Poems on the Underground,” available throughout London Underground stations in 2026.
A revised edition of “100 Poems on the Underground” has been released, adding works by Sappho and Jean Binta Breeze, available at the London Transport Museum shop and online retailers.
