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January 15th, 2026
Europe Poetry Contest #1 – First Place
by Marieta Maglas
In a charming Romanian village, my father took
his first breath, a place of flourishing apple orchards,
a land of a sounding green, once a monastic estate,
in the days of Voivode* Lăpușneanu Alexandru's reign.
It is said that the Voivode Stephen II Tomsa came to
this bucolic school to broaden his knowledge and horizons.
When he rose to the throne of Moldavia, he turned
this hamlet into a sanctuary fit for royalty.
At the age of six, my father was a fragile soul facing
the heart-wrenching loss of his noble mother, who terribly
fell victim to the ravages of World War II – imperilment,
scantiness, and encroachment. My father said that they had
departed from their lovely home brimming with the harvest of
their toil and fled to elude the encroaching Soviet Russian
invasion – dreadful moments in the twinkling of an eye –
white daffodils in the green yard – every orchard,
a haven amid turmoil – every daffodil, an echo of
what once was. The long train took them across
the firing sounds. After a long journey, they
found themselves in an unfamiliar city, feeling insecure –
thinking that the Russians would pursue them –
a fear crawling into the heart – a need to dwell in
silent wisdom.
During this chaotic period,
my grandfather was serving at the front.
Alas, the Russians reached our ancient,
cherished home, transforming it into a base of
command, consuming every edible creature that
once graced the land. When our soldiers returned home,
sorrow struck anew. My grandfather, now a war invalid,
labored relentlessly to provide for his two sons.
My uncle was diligently pursuing a medical degree.
My father, who had once walked the same halls as
the Voivode of Moldova, progressed through lyceum**
and then gained admission to the Faculty of Law.
His ascent to the role of judge at the High Court of
Cassation came from a long period of systematic work.
Moreover, he dedicated his existence to sharing
knowledge with young students, embracing the position of
a professor at law school. His Master of Judicial
Management, acquired in the United States,
allowed him to nurture beneficial changes in
the review of post-communist laws.
Throughout his life, he held an unwavering faith in God.
In his challenging days, he remained keenly aware of
his offspring's needs. Tears well in my eyes as
I reflect on the way he carefully led my path through life,
and how frequently he was there for me in
my times of trouble – vigilance, love, and support.
He is still alive. That I can share my thoughts with him
is a heavenly gift. I understand that this spiritual treasure
carries a weight far beyond any worldly possession.
Notes:
*Vovoide – ruler of Moldavia.
**lyceum – a secondary school.
About the Poet
Marieta Maglas resides in Orry-la-Ville, Oise, Hauts-de-France, France.
Read the poet's biography and Wax Poetry and Art publications
on Marieta Maglas's Artist Page.
This poem is also featured in Comet #7, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Keywords: family, fatherhood, Romania, sorrow, perseverence, history
Previously published in Europe Poetry Magazine:
Probable Cause
by Vladyslava Manuilenko
Europe Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
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