From our origin in the garden of Eden man has a close relationship with trees
In contemplation of our group of writers The Brothers Miladinov Macedonian
Poetry Society it occurred to me that we are very much like a tree, a tree of
Literature
Like a tree we have four parts, roots, trunk, branches and leaves. Also as an
expression of life we produce fruit ( our writings)
As to our genus we are of the Macedonian Oak species. I say this because
archeology has revealed that the golden crowns found in King Phillip`s tomb at
Pella were formed by goldsmiths in the shape of a wreath of Oak leaves. This
leads us to believe that the heraldic tree of Macedonian royalty was the Oak.
We may also think of our society of writers collectively to be like the devout man
mentioned in Psalms 1 who is likened "unto a tree" a tree firmly planted by
streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season.
The sustenance required for this tree of literature like all trees comes through
its roots. It takes minerals and water from the soil in which it is planted, drawing it
up the trunk to feed the branches which in turn bring forth leaves (our poems and
writings) It is important to understand that the sustenance for this tree is derived
from the Macedonian language and culture.
ROOTS; Let us consider; Macedonian literature is comprised of poems
stories and songs that give life to this tree. They were brought to Canada by the
many waves of the Diaspora which landed on these shores of Canada from
Macedonia. They sowed these seeds in a new land while integrating in a new
culture and learning a new language all the while keeping in mind who they were
and where they came from.
This tree was planted here in Canada by immigrants from Macedonia and
the soil in which it was planted is the everyday hustle and bustle of life
encountered in a new land and language. Striving to retain their mother tongue
and culture, they drew sustenance from their roots and began to write of their
love, patriotism and homesickness for the homeland. They did this in poems,
stories and song by forming groups of like minded people usually in the Church
community which led to readings at banquets and publishing poems and stories,
here and later in Macedonia itself.
The roots of this tree of literature grew deep and spread wide as these
immigrants and now their children born here began to write keeping their
language and culture alive in remembrance of their beloved homeland of
Macedonia. The rich sustenance which supplied their roots in Canadian soil is
their Macedonian language and culture which was expressed in their mother
tongue and then by a few such as myself in the English language thereby
enriching the reason for writing of things Macedonian. Preserving these writings,
(about the "first comers and their making a place for us") is the work and purpose
of Historical Societies, such as ours.
THE TRUNK; as the roots of a tree are not visible to the naked eye, so also the
roots of this tree of literature. What is visible is the trunk, the branches and leaves
of this tree.
The trunk is the largest part of the tree. The trunk of our tree of literature is
collectively the whole society and membership of the Brothers Miladinov
Macedonian Poetry Society. All members past and present.
In common accord from our roots (Macedonian language and culture)
nourishment passes up the through the trunk to feed each individual
branch(poet) with the rich vibrant life of our history and culture and Christian
religion.
BRANCHES; the branches of this tree of literature are representative of each
individual writer. As in a tree there are no two branches alike, some are strong
and thick and others are slim and supple. None the less each branch(member) is
of equal importance and is necessary to the wholeness of the tree, giving balance
and form.
Each member shows their individual personality, in their writing while
maintaining the collectivity of common purpose ,our love of Macedonia.
Some branches (individual poets) have been broken off this tree of literature by
the passing of time and the storms of life. However their places where they
formerly grew are noted by scars on this tree and their remembrance kept alive
by the publishing of their leaves (poems)
Of a happier theme there are new branches (members) growing in to keep this
tree of literature in a healthy state of life.
LEAVES; These represent our poems and prose which grow ( from within each
individual member) from the branch as the output of his or her expression of
thought now captured in print. Each poem a leaf.
Some branches have many leaves others few, but these leaves are of equal value
and to be considered in light of quality and not quantity.
Leaves are means of identifying the differing trees. Observing(reading the poem)
will give evidence that it is of Macedonian thought and expression from a branch
(member) of the Brothers Miladinov Macedonian society of poets.
As leaves differ in size and colour so these poems differ in subject, feeling and
content. Most are written in Macedonian for Macedonians. Some are now being
written in English to open Macedonian literature to those who prefer English
regardless of culture.
FRUIT; The fruit of an Oak tree comes in the form of a nut, an acorn. It is
capable of reproduction.
The fruit of this tree of literature(the Brothers Miladinov Poetry Society) is an
yearly anthology of poems published as the natural harvest of thought and
expression from the mind of this group of poets. They write of their love of things
Macedonian as experienced here in Canada. It has the capacity of reproducing
itself with literature of the same genus by awakening newer, younger poets as
well as satisfying the memories of the sons and daughters of the First Comers.
Come take the time to sit in the shade under the branches and leaves of this
tree of literature that is alive and growing at Saint Clement of Ohrid Cathedral in
the City of Toronto Canada.
Enjoy the fruit of this tree. Bless yourself read these Macedonian poems of our
culture.
In conclusion why do men and women of all nationalities write of their
history, homelands, language, culture but most important of their people?
Consider the sombre truth written by the Apostle Peter 1:23......
People are like grass, their beauty (achievements) is like a flower in the field
The grass withers (and dies) and the flower fades(and falls off)
but the word of the Lord remains forever.
Writing , is to preserve the memory our Grandfathers and Fathers who instilled in
us the "spirit of Ilenden" and the beloved Macedonian people, great and small
who once were here but now are gone.
Nea sme Makedonci
Zivee Makedonjia Zivee Makedonci