THE WAY A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SAID "I LOVE YOU" TO REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

More than ten years ago, while still a high school student, Nevena Reljić from Teslić wrote a poem about Republika Srpska.

"Maybe I would write it differently today – more maturely, more seriously, with more experience and reflection. But just the way it is, it is a part of me, my pride, my youth, and it will forever remain dear to me," says Nevena, now a journalist with many years of experience.

About the poem, which was named the best entry in the anthology Amanet a few years ago, she says it is her way of saying, I love you, Republika Srpska, thank you for everything you are and for making us who we are.

REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

The piercing gaze of a saint from a fresco,

Basil, incense, and the chant of a monk.

In the pupils, the flicker of a candle flame,

Are you still a stronghold, my people?

My thoughts carry me through my land,

A glance bursts like a dandelion in dew.

The wheat turns golden, the Drina sparkles,

The wind carries the scent of herbs from Leotar.

In time, you are a trace and the core of our Sun.

Your soul is pure, gentle as God's face.

Stars sway over your mounds,

While cradles bear the wings of swallows.

When we have nothing, we will give everything,

For my people are accustomed to giving!

To gild every wound and pain,

Eternal, because we were born from blood!

I am safest aboard your ship,

And fullest when I eat from your hand.

And I am grateful to God and my kin,

For we are still the stronghold of Serbdom today.