Piety and passion: the lyrics of Valiancina Aksak’

Abstract

Valiancina Aksak’s gentle yet mysteriously strong lyrics cover a wide range of topics including the Church and Christian belief, Belarusian identity, and indignation at the betrayal of national values, wine, music, flowers and the language itself, which she handles with a very individual mastery. Much of her verse is subtle and understated, although she is also capable of very clear descriptions of people and places and the various qualities and effects of wine. A highly musical poet, she also makes several references to classical music, and her verses about family, both children and parents are very touching indeed. She is a poet whose work deserves to be better known.