My one wish this Monday morning is for PEACE. Peace in Ukraine. For someone to put a stop to Putin. The one thing I do know is that Ukrainians are brave, strong, passionate, and don't go down without a fight. I had to learn this poem (in Ukrainian) when I was growing up...so I wanted to share it with you:
Taras Shevchenko
TESTAMENT
("Zapovit" / "Jak umru, to pokhovajte"
"Заповіт" / "Як умру, то поховайте")
Translated by Vera Rich
When I die, then make my grave
High on an ancient mound,
In my own beloved Ukraine,
In steppeland without bound :
Whence one may see wide-skirted wheatland,
Dnipro’s steep-cliffed shore,
There whence one may hear the blustering
River wildly roar.
Till from Ukraine to the blue sea
It bears in fierce endeavour
The blood of foemen — then I’ll leave
Wheatland and hills forever:
Leave all behind, soar up until
Before the throne of God
I’ll make my prayer.
For till that hour
I shall know naught of God.
Make my grave there — and arise,
Sundering your chains,
Bless your freedom with the blood
Of foemen’s evil veins!
Then in that great family,
A family new and free,
Do not forget, with good intent
Speak quietly of me.
