Ilinka Marković, born on August 2, 1955, in the picturesque town of Kuršumlija, Serbia, has always been deeply connected to the rhythm of the world around her. Now residing in Belgrade with her loving family, Ilinka embraces the golden years of her life, reflecting on the journey that has led her to become an accomplished poet and a cherished figure in the literary world. With a career spanning decades, Ilinka perceives poetry as a divine gift that has accompanied her since childhood, when she first learned the art of writing.
A dedicated wife, mother to three daughters, and a woman of many talents, Ilinka’s life has been one of balance and purpose. Her professional life, rich in accomplishments, has now shifted toward embracing her true passion—poetry. As a poetess, Ilinka has woven her love for the world around her into each verse, creating a tapestry of emotion, beauty, and awareness that resonates with readers on a global scale.
A Poetic Legacy
Ilinka’s poetic journey is marked by several published collections that have touched the hearts of many. Her debut work, Between Yesterday and Today (2014), earned her the Third Prize in the prestigious Pegaz Literary Competition. This was followed by the publication of The Right to Life (2016) and With the Dawn (2018), which were brought to life by the Literary Youth of Serbia. These collections have established her as a poet of significant repute, and her works have been featured in numerous anthologies and literary collections, further amplifying her voice in the global literary community.
In her poetry, Ilinka often explores the intersection of humanity and the natural world. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms, underscoring the sanctity of nature, the importance of preservation, and the profound emotional experience that stems from being in tune with the environment. Ilinka’s belief in the power of words to heal, provoke thought, and inspire change is at the heart of her writing.
The Voice of Nature: Do Not Touch the Glaciers
One of Ilinka’s most powerful poems, Do Not Touch the Glaciers, showcases her commitment to raising awareness about environmental issues and the urgent need to preserve our planet’s resources. Through evocative and passionate language, Ilinka paints a vivid picture of the delicate balance of nature, calling for humanity to respect and protect the Earth’s most precious assets—its water and natural landscapes.
In the poem, Ilinka addresses the destructive forces of mankind, pleading for the preservation of glaciers, underground waters, and rivers. She writes:
“Do not touch the glaciers,
Nor the underground waters,
Nor the dark blue rivers, nor the red ones…
Barren are your thoughts,
voracious (Mankind) man.”
The poem delves deep into the consequences of human disregard for nature, highlighting the urgent need for a shift in mindset. Ilinka’s message is clear: life springs from every drop of water, and it is our responsibility to protect it. She portrays water not just as a resource but as a living entity—sacred, vital, and interconnected with all life forms.
Through her words, Ilinka urges humanity to reflect on the cost of its actions, asking us to take a moment to look around and witness the suffering caused by environmental neglect. She speaks of a child crying in a desert, a bird lamenting under an open sky, and the disappearance of hope for survival. Her call to action is not just a plea for conservation but a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.
“Water is alive, water is holy…
Take care of it, man, the Planet will love you.”
In this strikingly powerful and emotive poem, Ilinka envisions a future where the purity of water is cherished, where the flow of rivers and the beauty of glaciers are preserved for generations to come. She warns of a future where life itself is endangered, and humanity must awaken to the responsibility it holds in safeguarding the planet:
“I dreamt of a new century without life
on the Earth and I looked for salvation not to be there.”
The closing lines of the poem bring the message home: we are all part of the Earth, and we must never forget our connection to it. Ilinka poetically reminds us that we are, in essence, a drop of water, a drop of life, and a drop of love from the collective human experience:
“We are the children of the planet Earth.
We must not ever forget that.”
A Poetess with a Vision
Ilinka Marković’s poetry is a testament to her deep love for life, nature, and humanity. Her works transcend time and place, reflecting universal themes that resonate with readers across the globe. As a poet, she has used her voice to champion the causes that matter most—protecting the Earth, preserving its beauty, and ensuring that future generations inherit a planet worthy of their love and care.
Her literary contributions are not limited to her published works. Ilinka participates in numerous poetry events, where she shares her creations and engages with fellow poets and literary enthusiasts. Through her involvement in these gatherings, she continues to inspire others to find their voice, speak up for nature, and embrace the healing power of poetry.
As she continues to write, Ilinka’s legacy as a poetess dedicated to environmental and social causes grows stronger. Her work reminds us all of the importance of protecting the world we live in and the sacredness of water—life’s most essential element.
Ilinka Marković’s poetry is not just about words on paper; it is a call to action, a plea for humanity to reconnect with nature, and a profound expression of love for the world around us. Her works are a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, we can choose to make a difference. Through her poetry, Ilinka continues to share her gift with the world, inspiring readers to embrace the beauty of life and the importance of safeguarding the planet for future generations.