“Đe još ima u bijeli svijet da stijene sa morem se ljube, da te rujne zore bude…
(“Where else is in the entire world that rocks kiss the sea, that there will be that reddish sunrise dawn wakes you up…”)
With the very first verses of the patriotic poem “Is there anywhere?” (Ima li đe?) the poet Jelena Božović won over the local audience with her deeply emotional expression that touchingly shows the attachment to the homeland. Our interviewee was born in Podgorica, where she graduated from the Faculty of Law. After a career in the state administration, she also ventured into the world of TV journalism. She is the author of a collection of children’s poetry “When the Moon Winks” and a collection of love poetry “Prayers of Tenderness”. Her poems have been translated into English and published in the anthology of world poetry “Beautiful poems”. In this interview, Jelena talks about the power of poetry to change and connect people, highlighting its potential to instigate the changes, not only in individuals, but also in society. By the analysis of the contemporary Montenegrin literary scene, Jelena points to the challenges that poets face, but also to the growing interest in poetry, especially among young people. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of bringing poetry closer to a wider audience through modern digital platforms and multimedia projects, in order to create a new audience that appreciates poetry as a universal language of the soul.
Mrs. Božović, you have two poetry books behind you, namely: “When the Moon Winks” (a collection of poetry for children) and “Prayers of Tenderness”. You will soon publish your third collection of poems “Is there anywhere?” How would you describe what inspires you the most?
My poetic expression is a mix of emotions, nostalgia and intimate reflections on life, love and human destinies, but it arise from the challenge to express myself freely and authentically in a world that often imposes rules, expectations of the game. We record things that are an often inexpressible and elusive, feeling that we all carry to ourselves. I search for the quiet voice that can be heard from under the noise, I explore the cracks between what we feel inside and what they impose on us.
They say that a song is truly meaningful only when it “touches” our soul, that is, when it awakens a certain emotion within us. You have succeeded in evoking strong emotions in the audience with the song “Is There Anywhere?” Do you believe that poetry has the power to change people and society, and what is its impact on connecting people with their roots?
I believe that poetry has immense power, not only to evoke emotion but also to inspire change, within us, in our perspective on the world, and in our society. The song “Is There Anywhere?” was created from a deep thread of personal experience. Poetry that comes from inside, from a sincere need to express something, rather than from a desire to fit into predetermined frameworks or expectations, holds special strength. Art that does not conform to established norms and does not seek approval possesses a unique authenticity, as it comes from the heart and reflects reality. True artists do not belong to any system other than their own; this is a more challenging path, but the only one that leads to essential truth and lasting value. The most important aspect of the process is for the reader to recognize the sincerity in the work, to recognize art that is not related to dividing and to the interests, but to universal values of freedom and peaceful living.
How do you assess the contemporary Montenegrin literary scene? Is there enough space for poets and poetry today?
The Montenegrin literary scene has many talented authors, but unfortunately, poetry often remains in the shadow of other literary genres. However, I notice that there is a growing interest in poetry, especially among the youth. I find new ways to promote it through social networks, performances, and multimedia projects. More space is needed for the promotion of poetry, more literary evenings, festivals, and media support, so that poets have the opportunity to contribute to the broader audience.
Poetry is often considered an elitist form of expression. How can we attract a broader audience, particularly young people, in reading poetry in the era of rapid digital content?
I would suggest that the key is to make poetry closer to people in a way that resonates with them. The world is changing, and so are we. Poetry is not reserved solely for academic circles; it belongs to everyone. I believe that social media, video formats, and audio books can play a significant role in making poetry more accessible and interesting to younger generations. Additionally, reading poetry in informal settings, connecting poetry with music and visual arts, could contribute to its popularization.
Poetry is often considered an elitist form of expression. How can we engage a broader audience, particularly young people, in reading poetry in the era of rapid digital content?
I would suggest that the key lies in making poetry relatable to people in a way that resonates with them. The world is changing, and so are we. Poetry is not reserved solely for academic circles; it belongs to everyone. I believe that social media, video formats, and audio books can play a significant role in making poetry more accessible and interesting to younger generations. Additionally, reading poetry in informal settings, connecting poetry with music and visual arts, could contribute to its popularization.
We live in a time of rapid change, where social, political and economic conditions are constantly evolving, and art often becomes a reflection of these transformations. In this context, how important is it for artists to be the voice of society today and to open important social topics through their work?
Artists are the last bastion of authenticity in a world that is trying to standardize us. It has always had the power to ask questions, provoke thoughts, and change consciousness. I think that today, more than ever, it is important for artists to be the voice of society, to speak through their works about what oppresses us, about injustices, about losses, but also about love, about humanity. Art is a tool for deconstructing power structures, not through direct confrontation, but through introspective illumination of truth. It is important not to be silent about the impact of social norms, politics and economics on human freedom and identity. Artists have a responsibility to open the door to dialogue, to show how it is possible to live freely and with dignity, to question the rules and offers an alternative to the world that increasingly operates according to predetermined models.