Release of Vorobiov's book of poetry coincides with annual writers' festival

by Oksana Zakydalsky

TORONTO - "Wild Dog Rose Moon" ("Misiats Shypshyny") is the title of a book of poetry by Mykola Vorobiov released to coincide with his appearance at the International Festival of Authors held in Toronto.

It is published by Exile Editions and includes over 50 short poems in both the original Ukrainian and English. The English translation is by Myrosia Stefaniuk.

Mr. Vorobiov read his poetry at the festival on October 23, presenting only a few poems in the original Ukrainian, while the rest were read in English translation by Canadian actor R.G. Thompson.

Mr. Vorobiov's appearance at the festival was well received; this is the fourth festival in a row that has included a poet from Ukraine. As in previous years, Lydia Palij lobbied the festival organizers into issuing an invitation to a Ukrainian writer and looked after the non-English-speaking poet during his week-long stay at the festival.

There was some doubt this year whether anyone from Ukraine would be invited because the festival has had funding cuts. But thanks to the financial assistance of businessman Jurij Jemec, Mr. Vorobiov was able to take part. Mr. Jemec also helped in funding the publication of the book.

In an interview that appeared in The Globe and Mail during the festival, Mr. Vorobiov spoke about the difficulties of writing and publishing in Ukraine. In the 20 years after his dismissal from university, he was not permitted to publish. His first collection of poetry appeared only in 1985, and he now has four books of poetry to his name and two children's books.

But, he noted, although now there is freedom to write and to publish, publishing houses have reduced production because of the harsh economic situation. In addition, society has become so politicized that interest in literature and art has diminished.

Yet, Mr. Vorobiov said, he intends to continue writing poetry. "I'm just trying to improve, and I'm very happy if I see that I'm achieving something more. My second joy is when somebody finds my writing and shares in my accomplishments. Materially, since I never had anything, I don't need to even dream now about anything. I just work - my dream is to write more, as much as I can."

Mr. Vorobiov's book "Wild Dog Rose Moon" may be ordered for $15 from: Lights on the Water, 29 Halford Ave., Toronto, Ontario M6S 4G1 Canada.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, January 17, 1993, No. 3, Vol. LXI

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