A Rare Encounter with Lina Kostenko

“We have only one authentic poet, the poetess Lina Kostenko,” Mykola Vinhranovsky once said. To properly gauge this “authenticity,” last Friday the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy hosted a roundtable called “Lina Kostenko’s Poetry in Transient and Eternal Times,” which was attended by art re- searchers, critics, students, and people from other walks of life who admire her work. The participants offered their interpretations of her poetic oeuvre, ranging from studies of specific works to such detailed lectures as “Lina Kostenko and the Cinema” or “The Poet’s Responsibility for His Words.” It was anyone’s guess whether Ms. Kostenko would attend, for she is very discriminating when it comes to making public appearances. Yet, she clearly has a soft spot for the Mohyla Academy, and the feeling is mutual. Lina Kostenko is an honorary professor of the Academy, but above all, she is one of the most popular writers. This is the view of the academy’s students and faculty, and it is shared by intelligent Ukrainians everywhere.

The roundtable was in progress when word came that the poetess was coming. This was a real gift, and one that Ms. Kostenko gave her admirers on the very eve of her birthday. By all accounts, the poetess was pleased. Instead of greetings and plaudits that she cannot stand, she heard a “warts and all” analysis of her oeuvres. She was sometimes so fascinated that she even joined in the discussions.

Den/The Day’s journalists extend Ms. Kostenko best wishes on her birthday with the hope that nothing will distract her from what she loves most — honing her poetic works. We also hope that our cooperation will continue.