Uncategorized
Six events in 42 hours, as precisely calculated by our dear guest, the poet Mirjana Bulatović.
Together with Slađana Bušić, and as part of the To Prijedor, with Love program, they set out on a brief but powerful mission of poetry, connection, and warmth.
In just two days, our wonderful guests visited four elementary schools in Prijedor, where they shared poems, stories, and conversations with the students.
Accompanying them were fellow citizens, singer-songwriter Draženka Jovičin, and the youngest participants of this unusual journey: Danika Pačariz and Đorđe Komosar — children who sang, accompanied by guitar, the songs Draženka had composed to the poetry of Mirjana Bulatović, with the joy and confidence of true young artists.
A special moment of the poetry session were precisely those songs, the music that Draženka had woven into Mirjana’s verses. Accompanied by guitar and children’s voices, poetry quite literally began to sing within the school walls and came to life before everyone.
In the classrooms and hallways, the poems echoed with music, applause, and curious questions. Mirjana and Slađana recited their verses, spoke about what it means to be a poet and a journalist, and most importantly, spent time with the children as equals. Without distance, without haste, with laughter and gentle words.
About our guests:
Mirjana Bulatović (born 1958) graduated in literature from the Faculty of Philosophy in Novi Sad. She began her career in Podgorica, working as a journalist and proofreader, later continuing in Novi Sad. Since 1989, she has been living in Belgrade, working primarily as an independent artist.
She served as the editor of the literary forum French Street No. 7 (Francuska 7) and as secretary of the Association of Writers of Serbia.
She has published around thirty books of poetry and prose for both adults and children, as well as four volumes of translations of Russian poetry. Her work has been included in dozens of anthologies, and her poems have been translated into approximately twenty languages.
She is the recipient of numerous awards.
It is also interesting that over the course of a quarter of a century, she wrote more than fifty songs for Branko Kockica and the PUŽ Theater.
Prijedor has loved Mirjana for many years. And then we met her too, and loved her instantly. Not only as a poet, but as a human being. As a friend.
Mirjana is a woman of immense positive energy, yet at the same time gentle, caring, quiet when needed and strong when necessary. Wise. Noble. She spreads love and brings people together.
With her, smiles come naturally, and every conversation leaves a trace. Wherever she goes, she stays in people’s hearts.
In her verses, childhood rustles, and in her embrace, there is room for everyone, both big and small.
Slađana (Branislava) Bušić (born 1993) is a poet, journalist, and editor at Radio Beograd. She is the author and host of the programs Family Story (Porodična priča), From Another Angle (Iz drugog ugla), and From a Teen Perspective (Iz tinejdž ugla). She curated a special series marking 100 years of Radio Beograd and 70 years of the program Good Morning, Children (Dobro jutro, deco). On the occasion of that anniversary, she also published the book Dobro jutro, deco – Kako su se veliki kad su bili mali budili uz radio, RTS Publishing, 2024.
Co-author of the book Zbrda – zdola rečnik, she has also published three poetry collections, each of which has received an award.
Slađana is the recipient of numerous literary and media recognitions, a participant in the World Youth Forum in Sochi (2024), and a member of the Association of Writers of Serbia and the Presidency of the Association of Dramatic Writers of Serbia. She received an award at the Slam Championship of Serbia, and in the Poezija uživo series on Radio Beograd 2, she brought her poetry to life in the Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment.
Her view of the world is infused with faith, positivity, and authenticity, the kind that children instantly embrace.
She is known as “a joyful face” and “walking happiness,” because wherever she appears, she brings light and warmth. She uses every opportunity to share a message of hope and love.
Every encounter ends with her words:
“We will never part.”
Slađana won us over with her smile, her sense of humor, and a heart that loves without hesitation.
We are grateful that our team is growing with people just like them, pure of heart, ready to share kindness and create worlds where children are the main heroes.
We thank all the elementary schools: “Petar Kočić,” “Dositej Obradović,” “Desanka Maksimović,” and “Branko Ćopić” for opening their doors, their hearts, and their time for this encounter.
Thank you to all the students, teachers, and principals who showed that poetry and literature are alive when they are shared.
To Prijedor, with love, from Belgrade, through verse, smiles, and music.
❤️
