Sixteen-year-old poet Lazar Lopušina presented his latest poetry collection, Be Mine, at a well-attended event on Sunday evening at the Cultural Center in Bijelo Polje. The event highlighted the emotional depth and literary promise of the young author, who is currently a second-year student at the “Miloje Dobrašinović” High School.
High school student and program host Tarik Idrizović described Be Mine as “not just a collection of words on paper, but an invitation to reflection—a journey through identity, homeland, memory, and hope.” He praised Lopušina’s poetic voice as one that fosters dialogue and introspection.
The promotion was creatively designed by Idrizović, Lopušina, and fellow student Nikolina Barać, who also performed recitations of selected verses. The event featured musical interludes by Balša Jovanović, accompanied by music professor Almir Martinović, further enriching the cultural atmosphere.
This marks Lopušina’s third published poetry collection. Literature professor and poet Snežana Bošković, who reviewed the book, noted that his first collection, The Bridge of Lost Loves, symbolized a literary passage into maturity. She described Be Mine as a significant step forward in the poet’s artistic development.
“Love, as portrayed in Lopušina’s work, transcends the simplicity of words like ‘I love you.’ His verses explore its complexity with emotional authenticity,” Bošković said, citing the poem Mnogo više od toga (“Much More Than That”) as a standout example. She praised the young poet’s “irresistible talent and emotional simplicity,” and celebrated the enrichment of the local literary scene through his work.
Director of the Cultural Center, Edin Smailović, expressed appreciation for the event’s youth-led organization and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting emerging artists.
“It’s deeply encouraging to see young people who write, read, and engage with the arts,” Smailović said. “This cultural house exists for them, and we will always provide support. I congratulate Lazar and look forward to his future contributions.”
Lopušina, visibly moved, extended heartfelt thanks to his supporters, including academic painter Anđela Došnjak, who illustrated the collection. He reserved special acknowledgment for his mother, Olivera, whom he credited as his greatest source of strength.
“I wouldn’t dare to interpret the emotions present in this room tonight,” he told the audience. “Sincere emotions speak for themselves. I won’t explain my book either. Books are meant to be heard by those willing to listen. If even one sentence in it touched you, then it was worth writing.”
The event concluded with a warm reception, as attendees showed their support for a rising literary talent whose work continues to resonate with readers across generations.
