March 20, 2023 - A first for TCN - a new correspondent focusing on poetry. Please welcome Katarina Bučić, contribor 189 for TCN, with some of the most beautiful words.
Katarina Bučić is a writer and poet born and raised in Toronto, Canada by first generation Croatian immigrant. She has now returned to the motherland and is living in Zadar, Croatia. Katarina has a long history in creative arts and has a specific passion for poetry. She has taken part in many creative projects and with her recent move to Croatia, her love for her new home has inspired her most recent poetry project, The Heart of Croatia.
“The Heart of Croatia is guided by my experience of moving from the Western culture of Canada to the deeply historic and magical Croatia. This country has given me a second life.Her beauty overwhelms me, her history devastates me, and her abundance inspires me. Join me in my tribute to this country I now call home and in the evolution of my experiences, and my immersion in her magnificence.”
Zadar
The sun is hot on our faces
our skin becoming kissed
The sound of birds, dogs and children
I pinch myself to be sure I exist
A woman is singing
she plucks the strings of her guitar
The old man in the hat watches her
as he smokes his cigar
These walls have history
many tales of victories and defeat
My daughter dances on its ruins
My son explores the cobblestone in his bare feet
A castle that was fit for kings and queens
is surely fit for me
Zadar as the backdrop of our story
the cleansing from the deep blue sea
My heart belongs to this city
my family breathes its air
Wouldn't have it any other way
God has answered my prayer.
- Katarina Bučić
A mere 6 years ago my husband and myself visited Croatia together for the first time. His family being from the Zadar region, we planned on spending most of our time there. The two months we spent in Zadar would change the direction of our lives forever. The vitality we felt sparked a feeling in us we had not yet felt living in Canada. We knew once we returned to Canada from our trip that we would long for that same feeling and knew that Canada, as great as she is, could not provide that for us.
We spent years living our lives as a young family trying to survive in a Western world dreaming about that summer we spent in Croatia. We held onto so much nostalgia that when our daughter was born, we named her Zara, the former name of the city of Zadar. Little did we know that life would unfold in such a way that our Zara would be raised in Zadar. That I would give birth to our second child here and ironically, we also give birth to a second opportunity at life for ourselves.
Here we are, after 2 years of living in this beautiful country, thankful for our opportunity to move here. Every time our eyes meet the coastline, we take in a deep breath of that salt filled air. Every time we walk within the old city walls, we feel honor to walk in such ancient streets. Every time we awake and think of our lives here in magical Croatia, we have to pinch ourselves to be sure it isn't a dream, and if it really is all just a dream, please don't wake me up.
- Katarina Bučić
The Secret Gem
Old and new,
new and old
When does it begin
this story begging to be told
Ancient history
three millennia of war
Many lost in battle
hear their cries roar
This land
must have been mystical
For such men to die
for reasons mythical
Protected by God
driven by its people
In the midst of a hay stack
they have found the magic needle
Hrvatska, the secret gem
sought by many
Bearing the fruits of life
envy of its plenty
Ruin upon ruin
we climb its history
Taking for granted
all of her mystery
Who lay that stone
underneath your feet?
Do you have any idea of his gains,
of his absolute defeats?
Blood, sweat and tears
birthed these cities
No lack of story
endless synchronicities
Every man and woman
and child bind
Brought something here
left something behind
So, when you walk upon the stone
do not take for granted
Something new to you
is something deeply enchanted
Their energy lingers
those who built, those who defended
And those who carried on
far beyond comprehended.
- Katarina Bučić
When you visit Croatia as a tourist it is easy to get wrapped up in all the awe. At which beach will you swim today? Where are you going to wine and dine this evening? Are there any cool shows happening tonight? Only when I began to live like a local in Croatia did I really begin to become aware of my surroundings.
Every time I walk through an old city, I think about its history, all of the people who have shared these same streets with me. Who is the man who worked his hands to the bone chipping away at the stone that create these cobblestone streets? These walls that we now take photos along were built to protect, to keep its people in and its enemies out. These ports that we use as docking points to take us on scuba-diving excursions and island tours were once battle zones and for transport of goods to keep its people alive.
It is a very interesting perspective to keep in mind when exploring these historical places. Everything has been catered to the tourist’s convenience and experience, but all this architecture served a very different purpose at one point and not very long ago, might I add. When I explore Croatia, I am reminded why this secret gem was sought after for millennia. This is a country built out of love and purpose. Croatia recognizes its beauty and knows it is undoubtably magical. It is up to us to hold that same knowing and remember where she began and support where she is headed.
- Katarina Bučić
Sukošan
There is a little town along the sea
her beauty, she calls to me
The narrow streets lead me to her
she calls me softly, a sweet whisperer
The road breaks open and the view stuns me
a fishing town bordered by palm trees
The town wakes early, It’s people stroll the streets
stopping along the way to greet everyone they meet
Friendly chatter fills the air
in the moment, not thinking of elsewhere
Men carry their rods and undock their boats
women going to church in their fur coats
The smell of salt consumes the air, thick and tasteful
The cobblestone handled with care, never wasteful
The sun begins to shine, early risers already done their chores
Children’s voices heard as they bust through the doors
Families swinging in the parks, friends filling the cafés
Soaking in the sun, laughing away their days
This town has a place in my heart, I visit her often
when I’m feeling hard, I go to her to soften
She is full because of the people who consume her
they care for her with love and never misuse her
Surrounded by love she welcomes all wanderers
and fears not any conquerers
For she has stood strong for longer than you and I comprehend
a secret hidden just around the bend
The small city along the sea
her beauty, forever calls to me.
- Katarina Bučić
Neighboring the village I live in is the beautiful and quaint town of Sukošan. It is the closest town to us that is along the sea so naturally we visit her often. We spent many summers swimming on her beaches, drinking coffees in her cafes and strolling her streets at night. There are just some places that have a certain energy, a certain vibration that feels just right. For me, Sukošan is one of those places. The air is rich in salt, the locals are friendly, and the water is a healing hue of blue. My husband and I often say ”It's always sunny in Sukošan” because that is truly how it feels every time we are there. The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing and time stands still.
- Katarina Bučić
You can follow the fabulous work of Katarina on her website.
And if you want to hear Katarina recite her poetry, you can do so here in the video below, right after hearing her returnee story.
