under a blue sky
I confess that I didn’t know much about Ukraine prior to this year. After war broke out on 24 February with Russian troops advancing, I was shocked by the daily news reports of innocent civilians whose lives suddenly turned from living in peace to being at the mercy of war. After a few weeks of this tyrannical war unfolding, my partner was researching the people, art, and cultural icons of this place I knew little about. He spoke about the symbolism of Ukraine’s flag – the blue wide open sky stretched out over golden, prosperous plains of grain and wheat fields. Sunflowers as a symbol of resistance, unity and hope. A Stork from Ukrainian folklore, a protector bringing peace. The vibrant imagery of hope and resilience struck me. And so, in March – only a month into this terrible conflict - I wrote the song Under a blue sky from the poetic images that stayed with me as I began to learn a little about this Eastern European country called Ukraine.
Ten months on
And over 300 days of attacks, counterattacks, guerrilla raids, artillery strikes, missile attacks, and buildings destroyed – people’s homes, hospitals, schools, parks. In recent times, there’s been reports of Russia “weaponizing winter” by targeting infrastructure to leave civilians without power and water as a freezing winter creeps in. Ukraine has shown resistance, its cities have been hit by relentless air strikes in recent times, but somehow their leaders, armed forces, and civilians have maintained solidarity. But the human cost has been enormous. Lives lost, injured, missing, displaced, not to mention other war atrocities we are still learning about. In these 300 days, over 7.8 million people from Ukraine have fled their homes to cross over into neighbouring countries, and a further 6.5 million have relocated within Ukraine.
While speaking in Washington, DC the last couple of days, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken about his country’s battle not only for life, but in standing for freedom and security, for a democratic future for children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. He has spoken about a faith and determination that continues to run strong, even as freezing temperatures approach.
“We’ll celebrate Christmas, and even if there is no electricity, the light of our faith in ourselves will not be put out”
I have just driven over 2,000 kilometres in three days to travel to be with family for Christmas.
Aside from stormy skies on the first day, that kept things interesting on the otherwise straight and flat road from Alice Springs to Coober Pedy, my family and I were blessed to travel under a blue sky. A blue sky - peaceful, under no threat of attack to our safety. How blessed we are to do this, to sit around the table with loved ones at this festive time of year. Last night as I sat to begin to write this blogpost I decided to visit the UNHCR website and in doing so discovered that Australian band The Bluesberries just released a song Blue Skies – a collaboration between Australian and Ukrainian musicians, with money raised aiding Ukrainian refugees. If supporting refugees displaced by this terrible war wasn’t enough, when you make a donation you also get to listen to an exciting musical collaboration.
Many wishes to all, may you find ways to be with loved ones near or far, at this festive time of year. And may you also find ways to reach out, connect with, and help those around you - whether near or far.
Under a blue sky
Golden they stand and golden they rise
Up to a blue, blue sky
Golden they stand and golden they rise
Reaching up to a blue, blue sky
Under a blue sky, sunflowers stand
Under a blue sky, sunflowers rise
Under a blue sky, the weapons fire and land
Destroying homes
Whole cities, fleeing souls
Blue sky, blue
Blue, blue, blue sky, blue
Golden they stand and golden they rise
Reaching up to a blue, blue sky
Under a blue sky, stork build a nest
Under a blue sky, families protect
Under a blue sky, sunflowers rise again
May you resist, protest, proclaim
Peace and glory to Ukraine!
Blue sky, blue
Blue, blue, blue sky, blue
Golden they stand and golden they rise
Reaching up to a blue, blue sky
Bb / F / Bb/ F
Bb / F / Gm / F
