Old Knives. Cutite vechi - Maria Jastrzebska

 

I wrote my first ‘book’ before I could write properly in either of my two languages, Polish and English – determined attempts to scrawl misshapen marks on paper which transformed sensation and thought into something else seemed exquisite and hugely important to me. I carried my ‘book’ everywhere. In a way nothing has changed. Socialization, education have both aided and hindered the progress of this particular book. Poetry itself transcends individual languages and crosses borders. Daring and carefree, it still claims me with equal portions of frustration and joy. (Maria Jastrzębska)