Common Ground

Mixa Kozimirenko (1938-2005) Ivan Franko Literary Laureate, Romani Holocaust surviver, music teacher, composer and poet was a prominent figure in Ukrainian national and Romani cultural educational movements during the last two decades of his life. The author stayed in close communication with the poet in 2002-2005. English translations of his original poems here serve as a portrait of transition in Ukraine and a portrait of the artist. The story unfolds as a few encounters set against a sprawling historical and literary background. This journey should evoke the poet's visions, philosophies and fears as he analyzed the process of change in Ukraine and examined the dilemmas that people faced while they adapted to change. The poet's personal way of confronting life, the musicality of his approach and his original perspective will make this journey well worth the ride. Common Ground will be of interest to scholars and students of Russian and Eastern European studies, Romani studies, anthropology, history, education, comparative literature, popular culture and ethnic studies, but it is also intended for wider audiences and anyone who wants to know more about Roma (Gypsies) and Ukraine.