". Arranged Words: exile
Showing posts with label exile. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exile. Show all posts

5 Sept 2013

Spotlight on Brodsky

 There are several great Russian poets, and although his life was short, Joseph Brodsky ranks among them. For many years, Brodsky lived under the scrutiny of the Soviet regime; a force that kept a keen eye on writers with a mind of their own, and although the regime did everything in their power to silence him, he would not be silent. Under the gun of public opinion, and in a final attempt to break his spirit, the regime expelled Brodsky from the country in 1972.

 One can only begin to imagine what it would be like to live under such intensive scrutiny, to be bullied, oppressed and jailed for your thoughts and words in the bleakest of environments and endure hard labour only to be expelled, at a later date, from home and country. What would it be like to be disenfranchised-- landless, like a great albatross always on the wing? What is left behind? What can be taken? These are not easy ideas or questions to ponder, but if you have read or are considering reading Brodsky's poetry and essays you know, or will soon discover, that much is given.
This series of essays was the beginning of my love affair with Joseph Brodsky. It has traveled with me across Canada a few times.
From the picture, you can sense Joseph Brodsky's resolve and strength of character. These collected poems [I'll read a few each night before turning out the light] are the candle that will, once again, light my way through a dark winter...
The book--blown glass in whose reflection the reader is given a glimpse of the man who wrote it, and, in no small way, the book also reflects the light and beauty of Venice.

It's interesting that I could only frame the book of poetry. The other two books bent out of shape when I tried to frame them much like Joseph Brodsky who refused to be manipulated, silenced, or suppressed, and who, subject to totalitarianism, continued to risk all to ignite the spark of justice. 

 "There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them." Joseph Brodsky

I wish I could speak Russian; it sounds, especially in  Brodsky's poetical voice, so beautiful....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1m7usyH6ZA

Brodsky's English speaking voice also sings from the well of his soul.  In the following interview, Brodsky reads a few of his poems in English.

http://www.cbc.ca/writersandcompany/episode/2010/07/25/sunday-25-july-2010-joseph-brodskysaul-bellow/

Enjoy the weekend...