I WAR is a powerful collection of poems dedicated to the war waged by Russia against Ukraine. It explores the tension between grief and resilience, questioning whether one must remain a victim or if there is space to move beyond pain, even when the world continues to demand its presence.
Balancing mourning with unwavering hope, the collection reflects on the strength needed to move forward and the profound desire to live. It captures the reality of war—the struggle, the destruction, the weight of smoke settling on the ground—while envisioning the triumphant moment when the anthem will finally sound.
These poems serve as reflections on survival, the thirst for victory, and the complexities of identity in wartime. By adopting different perspectives, I WAR invites readers to step into the lived experiences of those enduring war, fostering deeper understanding and empathy.
The project is part of the subthemes Healing Narratives - Poetry, Mental Health and Collective Trauma, Cultural Resilience - Literature as a force for social justice.
Author
Tetiana Oksenenko
Tetiana Oksenenko is a poet and musician who has been writing poetry and composing melodies since childhood. Though she recorded her works intermittently, it was the experience of war that transformed poetry into a vital refuge—both a means of comfort and a source of hope.
Her poetry is multifaceted, rich with layered meanings, varied rhyme schemes, and diverse styles. She creates original musical accompaniments for each piece, carefully selecting sounds to enhance the immersive experience of her rhythms.
Believing that as the world grows more complex, poetry must also evolve—becoming more intricate, multi-layered, and thought-provoking—she uses her art to navigate and reflect the contradictions of modern life.
Read more about the author here.
