Poems | Poeteia
Poeteia - Poems Under the Chestnuts
poetry written in Kyiv city, also called as “city of chestnuts” by its citizens
Instagram @poems.poeteia
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Opposite Sides
We live on opposite sides of the street
On the different sides of what's right
We could try to adjust and to fit
But it's something about to fight.
It is something about to prove
But to argue I’m not in the mood
To come over to your side of truth
Let's just stay where we stood.
***
On the different sides of what's right
We could try to adjust and to fit
But it's something about to fight.
It is something about to prove
But to argue I’m not in the mood
To come over to your side of truth
Let's just stay where we stood.
***
The Only Life
We live the only life we have
Disrupted sleep is
What we have instead,
And interrupted dreams to add
It's not what you deserve
But get.
***
So, should I knock? Or just ignore?
I go hunting in the store
Discounts feel like prey or so.
We’re full of treats without joy.
I’m still not used to less is more.
***
At least you have to try
Friendship is a luxury
After thirty-five.
Friendship is a mystery
When worlds have to collide
Creating something new and bright,
Lost joy comes back to life.
Over the years we left it behind
We used to click with people fast
Now it’s hard to start, to open up
As we’ve become adults,
As friendship is a trust,
A mystery, a luxury
That isn't meant to last
Look at the children playing
These children were us.
Disrupted sleep is
What we have instead,
And interrupted dreams to add
It's not what you deserve
But get.
***
That Door
I haven't seen that door before.So, should I knock? Or just ignore?
I go hunting in the store
Discounts feel like prey or so.
We’re full of treats without joy.
I’m still not used to less is more.
***
Friendship Is A Luxury
You really need some friendsAt least you have to try
Friendship is a luxury
After thirty-five.
Friendship is a mystery
When worlds have to collide
Creating something new and bright,
Lost joy comes back to life.
Over the years we left it behind
We used to click with people fast
Now it’s hard to start, to open up
As we’ve become adults,
As friendship is a trust,
A mystery, a luxury
That isn't meant to last
Look at the children playing
These children were us.
'2025-2026
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To Become a Dragon
To be a mother means to become a dragonFrom a gentle lady behind a tower's wall
Reborn and burn to yell with angry tone
By walking around a house spraying firefall.
***
Time Is Up
We do less than we did,And still used to rise after fall.
What if they're right about it –
There is no time at all*.
* Time might not exist, according to physicists and philosophers
***
Are heiresses
Not scientists, not writers
Printing bestsellers on their terraces
But heiresses
To giants, thrones, and names
And you are an heiress
Of fear and pain.
***
The Heiresses
The richest women in the worldAre heiresses
Not scientists, not writers
Printing bestsellers on their terraces
But heiresses
To giants, thrones, and names
And you are an heiress
Of fear and pain.
'2025
© Poeteia
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Warm April Night
In the warm April nightLilac smells in the darkness
We are hurrying up
Under air syrens
To the shelter-parking that
We are used to hiding at
To wait out the attack
Guessing when we can come back.
If that time we’ll get back.
Kyiv, 25.04.2025
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My Tribe
My friendWith coffee in your hand,
You are my tribe.
You are my band.
I send you this
You send me That
But to stay friends
We need to act.
At least to share
A bold plan:
To meet, to play,
Or to escape.
Somewhere
To the lake,
Ok?
You texted me this
I texted you that.
I still cannot believe it:
We are on our way
To Lake Como
Where wisteria is blooming
Without our kids and spouses
We are on friendly trip
Like on the friendship boat.
I still can't believe
Someone can live this way
To think something up,
Go for it, and make it real
Even for a day.
‘2026
***
Snowman Meat
This winter, power is often cut outAnd when water froze in the pipes, indeed
People are still joking and figure it out
By frying for water snowman meat.
12 Jan 2026
Kyiv, -14°C
***
In different awkward poses there
My son sighed after all:
- I've become a square.
Kyiv, -14°C
***
Like In Minecraft
After spending a night on the floorIn different awkward poses there
My son sighed after all:
- I've become a square.
'2025, Kyiv
* during another night missiles and drones attack on Kyiv
** Minecraft is still a mega-popular game with pixel graphics, where everything looks like squares
***
And silence fell around
Straight to the dragons’ feet
A cat ran up and calm laid down.
* during another night missiles and drones attack on Kyiv
** Minecraft is still a mega-popular game with pixel graphics, where everything looks like squares
***
Bedtime poem
My dragons fell asleepAnd silence fell around
Straight to the dragons’ feet
A cat ran up and calm laid down.
'2021
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***
If to live then by the sea
If to live then by the seaIf to love then today
To be grateful to Fate
To want more don’t be afraid.
If to have then a dignity
Learn to run and to swim
Send to hell uncertain infinity
Today and now willing to win.
'2023
***
Who comes from bright and foggy world
She lets all creatures be quite lazy
But as for me I want to work.
A Fall.
***
A Lady From A Foggy World
I want to introduce one ladyWho comes from bright and foggy world
She lets all creatures be quite lazy
But as for me I want to work.
A Fall.
- Poeteia
'2000s
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Taking a nap
Suddenly froggy
Touched her leg.
'2000s
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Little Froggy & Mom Poem
Mummy was sleepingTaking a nap
Suddenly froggy
Touched her leg.
What was a scream!
What was a shout!
If it's a bad dream
Then she'd better wake out
Of such a nightmare
It must be way out.
She was just shaken up
Then found out what's up.
Breath deep, not to yell
Better hug and kiss well…
Little froggies grow so fast
We wish childness longer to last
A little bit more, just a little bit longer
Little hand in our hands holding...
To warm little feet
To forgot how it feels
When it's neat in a room
But loving can bloom
Where a kid is desired
And loved and hugged
And mom isn't tired
- that's where to start.
You don't have to be perfect
Don't forget to have fun
Froggy will be happier
With a well-slept mom.
The one who is listening,
Whatever to meet,
When it's rainy and foggy
Still humming:
- I'm here, my froggy,
you’re just getting
cold feet.
'2024
* Get cold feet - suddenly become too frightened or nervous to do something you had planned to do
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Poeteia - the modern poetess from Ukraine
Poeteia is a contemporary Ukrainian poetess from Kyiv whose voice emerged long before war, shaped by tenderness, survival, and the human soul in times of darkness.
She writes about everyday wonders and frustrations of modern life, motherhood, relationships, as well as about personal growth, and the pathfinding.
She writes both in Ukrainian and English. She shares her voice on social media, maintains a website and blog, and has published a book in 2025.
Website poems-ua.com/en