Monday, April 30, 2007

A Little Bird by Alexander Pushkin


A little bird
In alien lands devoutly clinging
To age-old rites of Russian earth,
I let a captive bird go winging
To greet the radiant spring's rebirth.
My heart grew lighter then: why mutter
Against God's providence, and rage,
When I was free to set aflutter
But one poor captive from his cage!

The poem A Little Bird by Alexander Pushkin was written in 1823 under the rule of Alexander I. During this time of Alexander's reign many peasants were forced into the military under harsh conditions. The poem also discusses the taking of foreign lands by Alexander's military campaigns, which included Finland and parts of Poland. This reference hints at the discontent of the Russian people due to the favoritism Alexander showed on the newly gained lands. This poem accuratley reflects the yearning to be free of the russian peasantry.

- Devon Fontaine

1 comment:

new mexican bird said...

Some birdwatchers enjoy watching the varied
Passerini more than they enjoy watching
Larids. And in this brief ode , Pushkin
describes that pleasure well .

I've loved this poem for years . Thanks for uploading