Natalka – My Ukrainian friend

I met our Ukrainian friend Наталка Ворожбит in 2004 in Iowa, where we, poets, writers and playwrights from all over the world, spent three wonderful months. I still remember the day when Natalka and I had our joint reading session at the famous Shambaugh House. Her smile was superb. It’s her birthday today. But I know she cannot smile today. I know it might not be a happy birthday for her today and I cannot simply wish her peace, health and prosperity. The only thing I wish her and people of Ukraine today is Victory. Only Victory! Long live Ukraine! I very much hope our path will cross in the near future and we will all celebrate your victory, Natalka, our dear and courageous friend! We will read together again! We will sing A Song of Victory together again!