The collection brings together works written by the author since the beginning of the full-scale Russian aggression. Key contributors to the publication included Petro Vorona – a veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, professor, Doctor of Science in Public Administration, and public figure — who organized and executed the entire publishing process, and the poetess Liudmyla Taran-Ponomarenko, who served as the editor. The foreword to the collection was written by Viktoriia Dmytrenko, Doctor of Philological Sciences and Professor of the Department of Literary Studies and Oriental Philology.

The artist’s biography is particularly inspiring: although she was born in Russia, she has lived since the age of five in the urban-type settlement of Stanytsia Luhanska, Luhansk region, which she considers her small homeland, and Ukraine her native land.

Полюбила безмежні поля її

Ріки, гори, степи, полонини.

І відтоді бажання і мрії мої

Про щасливе майбутнє країни.

Ось продовження перекладу:

The occupation of Luhansk, followed by the occupation of her hometown in 2022, the constant shelling of the Kharkiv region, and her forced relocation to a safer area finally convinced Ms. Tetiana that one's place of birth does not determine their national identity:

Я народилась у Росії

Але на щастя виросла не там

Зростала я у вільній Україні

І землю цю ганьбити вам не дам.

The forced loss of her home, separation from loved ones, constant threats of shelling, and the death of innocent people tore at the woman's heart until, one day, they transformed into enchanting letters that absorbed all the pain her heart felt. Through her poetic texts, Tetiana Shulha engages in a unique dialogue with the reader, often returning to poignant themes to provide them with continuity or logical closure. Provocative sincerity, directness of speech, and a passionate delivery of patriotic ideas filled with national consciousness are the hallmarks of her work.

The poet’s fiery patriotic lines were recited at the event by Ms. Tetiana herself, as well as by admirers of her work. Here, we find no grandiloquent tirades, excuses, reproaches, accusations, exhortations, or despair — only pure love for every Ukrainian, a fullness of life-affirming dreams, and faith in ultimate justice:

Цей народ перемогу здобуде свою

Мир і спокій поверне в країну

А росія, ганебно почавши війну,

В ній безславно навіки загине.

The warm and informal atmosphere of the event filled all those present with positivity and strengthened their confidence in our swift victory. We thank Tetiana Tymofiivna for her sincerity and wish her further creative achievements!

The Department of Literary Studies and Oriental Philology