Dear reader,
My partner, Francis, lived and worked in St. Petersburg for several months in 2004 with the British Council. He lived, not in an hotel, but with a Russian family in a very small flat in a tenement building.
Within his stay he gave lectures on Scotland and visited various children's homes where he played the bagpipe. Today's poem was conjured up from a story Francis told me about one of his visits there.
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St. Petersburg's history is one of rapid growth, political significance, and cultural influence marked by its founder, Peter the Great, as a new capital to modernize Russia.
It became the heart of the Russian Empire a role it held for over two centuries. The city also experienced periods of violence and revolution, most notably during the Russian revolution and Siege of Leningrad in World War II.
During World War II St. Petersburg (then known as Leningrad) endured a brutal 900 day siege by Nazi forces resulting in immense suffering and loss of life. After the war the city was rebuilt and eventually voted to restore its original name, St. Petersburg, in1991.
St. Petersburg is renowned for the grand architecture, palaces, canals and museums, including the world famous HERMITAGE museum. It remains a major cultural and tourist destination.
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From Gilbert White August 3rd 1791 in Hampshire
'Somewhat of a chilly feel begins to prevail in the mornings and evenings....Men house hay as black as old thatch.'
From Dorothy Wordsworth August 4th 1800 in Hampshire
'Rain in the night. I tied up scarlet beans, nailed the honeysuckles, etc. etc. ...I pulled a large basket of peas....A very cold evening.'
*
St. Petersburg
The piper played
The Sky Boat Song
"Over the Sea to Sky'.
The children hummed
and beautiful music
filled the air,
haunting and mystical.
Suddenly the silent Russian boy
calipers binding his legs,
limped his way over
the wooden floor,
standing by the Piper
as the song ended.
Looking up, he said
My name is Ivan.
*
Very best wishes, Patricia
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