Poems from my summer 2002 trip to Russia
It's been awhile since I've been inspired to sit and write some poetry. But something about Russia and the people inspired me.
1. Babushka - Watching the old ladies (Babushka means grandma or old lady, it's not what the scarfe they wear is called), wrinkled yet tough, I wondered what they must be thinking, having lived through so much. This poem wasn't inspired by any one in particular.
2. What it Takes - A poem about the in between generation, young folk in Russia today.
3. Life Should be More - I watched a woman, probably in her thirties but looking almost 50 with the weather worn hands and face, carry yokes of water from a stream. Her eyes seemed vacant and resigned. Most Russians are well educated, they know what is going on in the world, even those impoverished in the villages. I tried to think about what it must be like for those who once had dreams of much more.
4. Two Worlds - One thing that struck me about Russia is the real bifurcation of their society. The cities, especially Moscow, are booming, even if a lot of Russians still get very low wages and can't afford the available western goodies. One gets the sense that they are making real progress, and that Putin's Russia is moving forward. But if you go to the villages the story is much different. Alcoholism is rampant, people work hard just to get by, crime is high, and youth are frustrated, depressed and angry. Many in the villages see democracy and the move from Communism as a disaster, as once these villages were subsidized and life was, if not luxurious, at least pleasant and meaningful. That part of Russia, often unseen by westerners, is in crisis.
5. White Nights - One thing I absolutely love about Russians is their friendliness and desire to be out, walking, meeting friends, and having fun. In Syktyvkar they truly utilized the "white nights," that time of the year when the sun doesn't disappear and it's light virtually 24 hours a day. Russians know how to have fun!
6. Pechora - This was a hard one to write, I almost gave up on it, I was trying to put too much into it. I had a mix of feelings when we went along the Pechora river near the arctic circle, visiting villages. I was struck by the beauty of the region, the personalities of the people I met, and the culture that feasted on its traditions, including its emphasis on fishing and reindeer herding. Yet at the same time poverty was real. Again, the fall of Communism hurt this region, which once was connected by numerous subsidized flights and special perks for those willing to work in the far north. Now that's gone, and people work hard to get by. Roads and trains don't reach all the way to most of the villages, you have to go by boat (which is time consuming) or in winter snowmobile. They have electricity (most of the time), but lack plumbing and most modern conveniences. The people are friendly, but there is a sense of bitterness and frustration, especially among youth. Alcoholism is high, there is nothing else to do. Yet they are proud of their village, and proud of their river. I have no idea what kind of future these villages or their people have.