Obninsk! Obninsk!|
"...Obninsk is a small town that lies about 65 miles south-west of Moscow. It was my second visit to Russia, and I spent three weeks at a school here, studying Russian and being taught by Russian teachers. I lived in a very kind and welcoming family during my stay there. At some point, it became clear that my fellow students and I would be required to do a 'turn' for our hosts on our last night. One of the teachers - to whom I had expressed an interest in writing poetry - volunteered me to write something. My first attempt was abysmal, and has long been consigned to the flames. This is the second version that I wrote. I should also point out that the original is in Russian, and would be included here if I had any way of doing so. I translated the text, and so it is almost a perfect translation - if there can be any such thing... " |
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Far away from my home lies a land Of green, and grey, and black; A land alien to mine, where people Live and work, as best they can. In a green corner of this green land Stands a town with a history great But most people know it not - Or they that do have forgotten. Invited here was I, with my peers New ways to experience, and learn The reality of a new people: I'll admit, I went with a mind partly closed. At night we arrived at the place: Ten buildings in a circle, un-weeded, Paint flaking off, mosquitoes buzzing Around our heads as we entered And were paired off, and left to go To the houses of our hosts, to sleep And prepare for the work to come; For new, complete novelty awaited, Ready to trap the unwary, In this place, scoured by the ravages of Years of Communism; this country Of extremes beckoned, and its call Could not be resisted: we all, every one, Succumbed to the delights and privations Offered and imposed by life here - But, nevertheless, we coped. |
Despite the creeping in of entropy So long repressed, we coped. Perhaps we have learnt something Unexpected in this alien place: To learn to accept what you are; To achieve a new perspective on what It is we have, and others have not; To learn the way people relate to each other. In this green town in a green land To which we were guided by destiny We have all grown in maturity: We all had something to learn. Now, as we leave this place, and return Whence we came, we thank those that Tutored us in the art of growth And in the art of speaking. Obninsk is an experience; despite the heat And flies, and mosquitoes, My mind previously shut fast is opened To realise the truth it could not accept: Countries are not barriers. People are still People, wherever you travel. And travel we shall, For it vouches new insights, and for boredom Instills fresh spirit for life. Author is unknown 21/07/94 (Obninsk) |
