I don’t know a single Ukrainian poem. I never had time to dive that deep into Ukrainian culture and never encountered one just randomly. The arts haven’t been my priority here, but I’d love to read some Ukrainian poems.
Ukrainians, please feel free to send me your favorite ones.
My favorite Ukrainian poem is “Чари ночі” (“Charms of the night”) by Oleksandr Oles’. We were studying it in school when I was in 10th grade. I just got out of really toxic friendship and had been battling depression for almost two years at that point. But this poem did something to me back than. It is about celebration of life, because who knows, how much time we have left. It helped me to get through some tough times.
My favourite lines and my rough translation are here.
oh OH I have one also! it’s not a full poem but this part was my favorite since the first time I learned it in school. Lesya and her life history taught me so much and helped during teenage years, everytime I am in bad state of mind I remember her words “I would laugh to keep from crying” and it helps. I’m glad that Ukrainian poetry is so popular now and everyone in Ukraine know this words.
(also the kolyadki/carols is the whole other discussion I’m so obsessed with them)
