Four Poems
Bogdan Brunsh, University of Washington
I visited Ukraine to see my grandparents, Tomara and Vitya, back in 2016. They were kind and simple folks who appreciated life's little things; gardening, cooking, and taking care of stray cats. I deeply cherish the memories I got to make with them, from strolling through their local marketplace, to visiting the rocky shores of the Black Sea. Unfortunately, that was the last time I got to see Ukraine before the severe atrocities began.
Seeking to connect with my heritage, I turned to poetry to capture my personal experiences.
Each poem is a certain memory that I associate with Ukraine; a sky riddled with stars and free of light pollution, shelves lined with symbols of wealth representing the American dream, and hymns that recall the religious roots of Slavic tradition. Across these poems, there is a harmonious tone of hope and peace - a feeling many Slavs, especially Ukrainians, have longed for throughout generations.
The Shelf
Highest display
empty rose perfume,
three sharp
gold candlesticks,
a necklace from Paris.
The middle shelf,
hidden dust
builds behind
a picture of grandma.
At the feet
thick books lay
philosophy, essays
resting.
masterpiece
like a painter
who approaches his art
holy spirit
hold my heart
i have freedom
i have peace
for you have called me
your masterpiece
Wishes
Our eyes watch a wealthy sky,
which holds a million little stars
that wink and brightly shine,
and then without warning
a wandering star plummets down
and a white glow lights up the world,
willows around us gleam green
while the water below reflects the scene,
the wind waits, then whistles
as night shadows return;
we whisper our wildest wishes.
breathe again
watch the birds
in the sky
how they fly
oh so high
mighty trees
bend quickly
to the breeze
wildflowers grow
the rivers flow
no need to ask
why or when
trust me as i say
breathe again.
