BOOK NOTES

A new collection of Ukrainian poems

by Tamara Slywynsky

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - If entering the realm of vivid imagination and verse catches your fancy, then Daria Rychtycka's third collection of poems titled "Kolory Vitru" (The Colors of the Wind) should not be overlooked. "Your Magnetism," "Hutsul" and "The Last Encounter" are just a few of the titles found in this work, in which passion and disquiet, fantasy and reality exist without dichotomy.

With utmost perception, these Ukrainian-language poems depict the disappointment of lost love, wishful yearning, the magic and mystique of a work of art, the scent of a flowering tree (or is it perhaps the scent of a lover?). The play of words and descriptive images are compelling, drawing the reader into a world of philosophical contemplation, conveyed through the minimal use of language. But never does the zeal for living - and, most importantly, for Ukraine - fail to be included in her writing.

As the title of her newest book suggests, Ms. Rychtycka's writing style is as varied as the artist's palette, free and unfettered as the wind she describes. And even though "white" (blank) verse continues to dominate her work, the last 50-some pages of this collection are devoted to miniatures, some no longer than six or seven lines, which tend to recall Japanese haiku in their simplicity and substance.

"I again yearn for the mountains of my native land," writes the poet. But in this case, it is a yearning that is continually fulfilled since Ms. Rychtycka spends considerable time in Ukraine, where she finds the inspiration for her poetry. In fact, for the past eight years, she has toured the countryside, becoming acquainted with the land she was forced to leave behind as a girl.

She shares her work during literary evenings organized by the Ukrainian National Women's League of America and other organizations, meets with university students, Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) veterans, members of Ukraine's military, as well as the general public. Ms. Rychtycka has had poetry readings throughout Ukraine, in such cities as Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Kherson, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Drohobych and Kyiv.

The book includes an introduction by the hailed director and literary critic Mykhailo Sachenko and a "Letter from Bukovyna" by journalist Myroslav Kuyek, in which he writes about Ms. Rychtycka's Christmas visit to the region. In the letter, Mr. Kuyek proclaims that "[this poet] dreams, breathes and lives Ukraine." As seen in "Kolory Vitru," this is an undeniable fact.

The book can be ordered for $12 by writing to: N. Rychtyckyj, 30109 Ohmer, Warren, MI 48092.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 14, 1999, No. 11, Vol. LXVII

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