On December 25, 1845, at Christmas, the famous poem “Zapovit” was written. Taras Shevchenko wrote this poem at age 31, under a serious illness and the fear of death. He did not think about fame, honor, or the possible punishment for his bold thoughts. He only wanted — perhaps for the last time — to tell the people what he thought and felt. “Zapovit” went out into the world: it was copied in dozens and hundreds of manuscripts, passed from hand to hand, and memorized. The poem became a kind of symbol of the Ukrainian people’s struggle for liberation, both in the past and today, and has had a great influence on national culture and consciousness. ____________ When I am dead, bury me In my beloved Ukraine, My tomb upon a grave mound high Amid the spreading plain, So that the fields, the boundless steppes, The Dnieper's plunging shore My eyes could see, my ears could hear The mighty river roar. When from Ukraine the Dnieper bears Into the deep blue sea The blood of foes ... then will I leave These hills and fertile fields — I'll leave them all and fly away To the abode of God, And then I'll pray... But till that day I nothing know of God. Oh bury me, then rise ye up And break your heavy chains And water with the tyrants' blood The freedom you have gained. And in the great new family, The family of the free, With softly spoken, kindly word Remember also me.
