«Poetry is always uniqueness, an immortal touch to the soul» – these prophetic words by Lina Kostenko became the leitmotif of the «Rhymed War» poetry readings, which took place on March 18, 2026, at the Scientific Library of the State Tax University.
The event, organized by the library staff, was held as part of the National Poetry Reading Week (March 16–22) and united generations in a shared desire to honor the Word that tempers the spirit.
Voices That Will Not Fall Silent
The central part of the meeting was dedicated to honoring hero-poets who exchanged their pens for weapons and gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine. Within the library walls, the works of the following fallen heroes were recited:
- Boris Humeniuk, Maksym Kryvtsov, Yuriy Ruf, Illya Chernilevskyi;
- Taras Matviiv, Hlib Babich, Ihor Mysiak, Artem Dovhopolyi;
- Oleksandr Berezhnyi, Artem Nahaichenko, Serhiy Skald, and Maksym Yemets.
Poems that have become symbols of our time – works by Lina Kostenko, Oleksandr Irvanets, and Yuliya Berezhko-Kaminska – also resonated throughout the hall.
Living Memory in Books
A profoundly significant part of the event was the book presentation by Olena Stotska, a lecturer at the Irpin Professional College of Economics and Law. Her book is dedicated to the fallen hero Anton Tsedik, serving as a living testament to how a heroic deed transforms into a word that educates future generations.
Furthermore, the publication «Guardians of Light» – a memorial book of the State Tax University – was presented. Guests also had the opportunity to explore the thematic literary exhibition «Voices of War».
Authorial Words of Resilience
Special emotional depth was added by the performances of authors whose poems are filled with both pain and hope:
- Dariia Vitiuk– Vice-Rector for Educational and Methodological Work and Professional Development;
- Oleksandr Antoshyn– a student of the Faculty of Finance and Digital Technologies (author of poems about fallen fellow countrymen-heroes Serhiy Smirnov and Mykhailo Matselyk);
- Ivanna Buzynnyk– leading specialist of the Scientific Library.
The poetic word united students, faculty, and staff of the STU and the Irpin Professional College of Economics and Law. We hope these lines touched everyone’s heart!
Watch How It Happened (Video Report)
We invite you to watch a video report about the event at the following link: Rhymed War. Poetry Readings at STU
The video captures the most touching moments of the readings: the sincere emotions of students and teachers, the recitation of poems near the exhibition stands, and the atmosphere of unity that prevailed in the hall. The footage demonstrates how the poetic word unites the university community around shared values.
Acknowledgments
We thank everyone who joined us in holding the cultural front! We express our special gratitude for the support and organization to:
- Nataliia Zykun, Dean of the Faculty of Social and Humanitarian Technologies, Sports, and Rehabilitation;
- Maryna Kitchenko, Head of the Primary Trade Union Organization of STU employees;
- Nataliia Dobrianska, Head of the Scientific and Organizational Department;
- Liudmyla Isaieva, Lead Specialist of the University Museum;
- Halyna Chyhryna, Associate Professor of the Department of Law Enforcement.
As long as we read – they live in our hearts!
