Lystivka (Postcard)

I was inspired by the songs of the Ukrainian singer Maria Chaikovska. She has a rather sad story, because the song was dedicated to the singer’s brother, who was a soldier and died in this war that is happening now. I thought that this song made me rethink the idea of Valentine’s Day.

It is generally accepted that you send a greeting card to the person you love. Who exists in this universe. But what if a person sends a card to a person who remains only in their heart?

That is why only half of the heart is drawn on the sheet. The second half is a reflection of the first, just as love for a person consists of our love for them and their love for us.

“..and then in a moment
you stood across the ocean –
another planet
of ashes and lies.
shattered my windows
a postcard came,
that you are now where
your home is.
that you are now where
your heart is always,
that you are now there
and your heart is still beating.
and I understood
what is really important
and how exactly to be
a “courageous person.”