Poet Vidosava Arsenijevic: Poetry and love cannot exist without each other

In the peaceful surroundings of the monastery grounds of Ulije in Leposavic, far from the bustle of the city, we spoke with poet Vidosava Arsenijevic, one of the most significant literary creators from this region. Surrounded by the silence of the holy site, she spoke about her poetic journey, inspiration, new book, awards, and the message she wishes to leave to future generations.

The poet says that her first encounters with poetry began in childhood, when, as she emphasizes, she also began searching for her own being.

“Probably in childhood, from the moment I began to understand myself. Knowing oneself is the most difficult path, and it is also the path of truth. In love and in writing, one should not seek advice. A poem cannot exist without love, and love calls for poetry. Each of us must find ourselves in that, both the one who writes and the one who reads,” Arsenijevic says.

She recalls that even during her school days she took part in performances, choirs, and numerous cultural activities, emphasizing that in the past much more work was done with talented children.

Speaking about inspiration, she points out that nature and life are inexhaustible sources of creation.

“They say those who know how to recognize the message of a poem that every bird sings in its own flock. In the same way, a poem cannot exist without a bird, nor a bird without a poem. Everything that is natural is normal, and we can learn a great deal from nature,” she believes.

When asked what message she would like to leave to her readers, she answers that she would like her verses to be a support for people in difficult moments.

“I would like my verses to be a bridge when someone falls into a spiritual or emotional trench, so that they can find their lost self and meet themselves again. I would like them to be healing verses, because every being should be approached with care – either you will help it, or it will help you,” the poet emphasizes.

She also reveals that her new book, “Rajske zile,” will soon be published, which she eagerly awaits.

“The book is currently in the printing stage. It consists of poems of different lengths and contents, a kind of fan of possibilities in which I have tried myself in different genres. I believe they are intellectually deep, yet outwardly short. I expect it to see the light of day in the coming days,” Arsenijevic says.

Behind Vidosava Arsenijevic lies a rich literary oeuvre. She has published the collections “Zvona mladenacka,” “Carna zarucnica,” “Samojavna zvona,” “Smotra gordosti,” “Istrgnuto iz konteksta,” and “Neopoziva harizma,” while with her new book “Rajske zile” she continues her literary work.

She is the recipient of numerous literary awards and recognitions, among which she particularly highlights the recognition presented to her in 2013 by the Church Board of the Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog for her selfless contribution to the survival of the Serbian people in this region and her devotion to the Orthodox faith.

“Every recognition has its significance. The one who gives an award is also honored. Every award has its role and provides additional strength, but this recognition holds a special place in my heart,” Arsenijevic says.

She believes that poetry still has its readers today, despite the times that bring many challenges.

“Those who have the gift to write must write. Those who wish to read and continue to grow will read. Life today offers many possibilities, but a person must find their own path through this chaos of life,” she says.

She sends a message to young people not to give up on their talents.

“Write, read, interpret what you have read, and find your own path. Do what God gave you the ability to do. There are many struggles and sacrifices along that path, but only in that way can a person leave a mark,” the poet says.

Although literature is her life’s calling, she admits that today she finds her greatest joy in her family.

“At this stage of my life, I am happiest when I am with my granddaughters Elena and Matea. They are my joy and my life. From them I learn sincerity, love, struggle, and the most important thing – what life is,” she says with a smile.

Speaking about the collection “Smotra gordosti,” she recalled the poem “Ti me, pesmo, reci,” as well as the later poem “Tuđa pesmo,” through which, she says, she matured together with her verses.

“Once I thought that poetry was taking away my precious time. Later I realized that without poetry I actually would not know how to live,” Arsenijevic admits.

She concluded the conversation in the monastery grounds with thoughts that best reflect her life and poetic belief, her life principle:

“Whoever sings with exaltation does not perish in the earthly realm. Blessed is the one who reaches that.”