BELARUSIAN I The Poem even our mothers have no idea how we were born how we parted their legs and crawled out into the world the way you crawl from the ruins after a bombing we couldn’t tell which of us was a girl or a boy we gorged on dirt thinking it was bread and our future a gymnast on a thin thread of the horizon was performing there at the highest pitch bitch we grew up in a country where first your door is stroked with chalk then at dark a chariot arrives and no one sees you anymore but riding in those cars were neither armed men nor a wanderer with a scythe this is how love loved to visit us and snatch us veiled completely free only in public toilets where for a little change nobody cared what we were doing we fought the summer heat the winter snow when we discovered we ourselves were the language and our tongues were removed we started talking with our eyes when our eyes were poked out we talked with our hands when our hands were cut off we conversed with our toes when we were shot in the legs we nodded our head for yes and shook our heads for no and when they ate our heads alive we crawled back into the bellies of our sleeping mothers as if into bomb shelters to be born again and there on the horizon the gymnast of our future was leaping through the fiery hoop of the sun © Translation: 2008, Valzhyna Mort, Franz Wright and Elizabeth Oehlkers Wright From: Factory of Tears Publisher: Copper Canyon Press, , 2008 1. Introduction Introduction to Valzhyna Mort: Valzhyna Mort is a contemporary Belarusian-American poet born in Minsk, Belarus, in 1981. Her poetry is characterized by its intense imagery, emotional depth, and exploration of personal and collective experiences in the context of political and social upheaval. Poem's Origin and Publication: The poem "BELARUSIAN I" is part of Mort's collection titled "Factory of Tears," published in 2008 by Copper Canyon Press. This collection delves into Mort's experiences growing up in Belarus, offering a poignant reflection on identity, survival, and the impact of historical and political events on individuals. Significance of Examining Poetry from Diverse Cultural Perspectives: Studying poetry from diverse cultural perspectives, such as Mort's Belarusian background, enriches our understanding of the human experience. It allows us to explore unique narratives, histories, and emotions that might be overlooked in a more homogenous literary curriculum. Poetry becomes a lens through which we gain insights into different cultures, fostering empathy, broadening perspectives, and promoting a more inclusive appreciation of the world's literary heritage. 2. Overview of the Poem Structure of the Poem: "BELARUSIAN I" is written in free verse, meaning it lacks a traditional rhyme scheme and meter. This form gives Mort the freedom to express herself without the constraints of a predetermined structure. The lack of a strict form enhances the raw and unfiltered nature of the poem, allowing the poet to capture the intensity of personal and collective experiences. Title: "BELARUSIAN I" and Its Implications: The title, "BELARUSIAN I," suggests a strong connection between the poet's identity and her Belarusian heritage. The use of the first person ("I") emphasizes the personal and introspective nature of the poem. It signals that the narrative is deeply rooted in Mort's individual experiences as a Belarusian, inviting readers to explore a specific cultural and historical perspective. The title not only highlights the poet's identity but also sets the stage for an exploration of the broader collective identity of the Belarusian people. Summary of the Narrative: The poem vividly describes the harsh realities of growing up in Belarus during a tumultuous time. It portrays a childhood marked by confusion, hardship, and survival. The speaker reflects on a collective experience of a generation that faced challenges, including political turmoil and societal disarray. The narrative touches on themes of identity, resilience, and the ways individuals adapt to adverse circumstances. Throughout the poem, Mort uses powerful imagery to convey the struggles and endurance of a community shaped by historical events and personal ordeals. 3. Themes (15 mins) Identity and Self-Discovery: Valzhyna Mort explores the theme of identity and self-discovery by delving into the speaker's experiences growing up in Belarus. The use of the first person in the title, "BELARUSIAN I," signals a journey of self-exploration within the context of a specific cultural identity. Throughout the poem, Mort reflects on the challenges of understanding oneself in a complex and tumultuous environment, where personal identity is intertwined with the collective history of the Belarusian people. Impact of Political and Social Turmoil: The poem vividly captures the impact of political and social turmoil on personal experience. Descriptions of crawling from ruins, the presence of chariots, and the disappearance of individuals at night suggest the pervasive influence of political upheaval. The chariot arriving in darkness symbolizes an ominous force, and the speaker's experiences reflect the disruptive effects of political unrest on everyday life. Mort paints a stark picture of a community marked by the intrusion of external forces that alter the course of individual lives. Resilience and Survival: Resilience and survival in the face of adversity are central themes in the poem. The speaker recounts moments of hardship, from gorging on dirt in a metaphorical hunger for sustenance and future, to adapting communication methods as external forces attempt to silence voices. The progression from crawling to nodding and shaking heads to crawling back into the bellies of sleeping mothers illustrates a relentless determination to endure, adapt, and survive despite the challenges imposed by external circumstances. 4. Imagery and Symbolism Crawling from Ruins: The imagery of "crawling from ruins" is a potent symbol representing emergence and survival in the aftermath of destruction. This visual metaphor suggests a profound struggle for existence, echoing the historical and political turmoil faced by Belarus. The ruins may symbolize the impact of wars, political upheavals, or societal breakdowns. The act of crawling implies both the difficulty and determination of individuals to navigate and transcend the challenges posed by their tumultuous past. In the context of the poem, this image encapsulates the collective resilience of a people rising from the devastation of their history, emphasizing the indomitable spirit to rebuild and move forward. Eating Dirt as a Metaphor for Hardship: The metaphor of "gorging on dirt thinking it was bread" creates a visceral image of deprivation and hardship. This metaphorical act of consuming dirt serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles for sustenance and the difficulty in distinguishing between sustenance and adversity. It becomes a metaphor for the challenges faced by the speaker and the community in navigating a world where basic needs, represented by "bread," are elusive or distorted. This image underscores the harsh realities of survival and the resilience required to endure in the face of scarcity. The Gymnast on the Horizon: The gymnast on the horizon is a rich and symbolic image representing the uncertain future and the delicate balance required to navigate it. The gymnast, a figure associated with agility and precision, becomes a metaphor for the resilience needed to perform amidst chaos. Placed on the horizon, the gymnast also embodies a distant and challenging vision of the future. The fiery hoop of the sun intensifies this symbol, suggesting that the path forward is not only precarious but also illuminated by the harsh realities of their present. This image encapsulates the theme of identity and the challenges faced by the Belarusian people as they strive for balance, adaptability, and endurance in the face of an unpredictable future. Significance of Symbols in Context: These symbols collectively contribute to the poem's exploration of identity, survival, and the impact of historical and political events on individuals and communities in Belarus. They convey a narrative of struggle, resilience, and adaptation, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of navigating a world shaped by hardship and upheaval. The vivid imagery, laden with symbolic meaning, enhances the emotional impact of the poem, fostering a deeper connection between the reader and the experiences depicted by Valzhyna Mort. Cultural Context ● Provide background information on Belarus, considering its history and socio-political context. ● Discuss how Mort's personal experiences and the collective history of Belarus influence the poem. Background on Belarus: Belarus, situated in Eastern Europe, has a complex history marked by influences from neighboring powers. It was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, later falling under Polish and Russian rule. Throughout the 20th century, Belarus faced the challenges of World War I, the Russian Revolution, and Sovietization. During World War II, it endured significant devastation, and post-war Belarus became one of the Soviet Socialist Republics. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 further impacted the region. In 1991, Belarus gained independence with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, but it faced socio-political challenges, including authoritarian governance. Influence on the Poem: Valzhyna Mort's personal experiences growing up in Belarus, combined with the collective history of the nation, deeply influence "BELARUSIAN I." The poem serves as a reflection on the socio-political climate and the impact of historical events on the individual and collective psyche of the Belarusian people. Political Turmoil and Disruption: References to chariots arriving in darkness and the disappearance of individuals at night allude to the political turmoil and oppressive regimes that have marked Belarusian history. Mort's experiences align with a generation that witnessed political and societal disruption, influencing the struggles depicted in the poem. Resilience Amidst Adversity: Belarus's history of enduring wars, Soviet rule, and political challenges is mirrored in the theme of resilience and survival in Mort's poem. The struggles described in the poem can be seen as a metaphor for the collective endurance of the Belarusian people, overcoming hardships while attempting to preserve their identity. Cultural Identity: The title "BELARUSIAN I" emphasizes the poet's connection to her cultural identity. Mort delves into the challenges of identity and self-discovery within the context of a nation with a rich but often tumultuous history. The poem becomes a vehicle for Mort to explore her own cultural heritage and the impact of this heritage on her sense of self. Post-Soviet Experience: The poem, written in the post-Soviet era, reflects on the aftermath of Soviet influence. The gymnast on the horizon may symbolize a vision of the future, navigating the complexities of a post-Soviet Belarus, hinting at the struggle for a new identity in the aftermath of political and social changes. In essence, Mort's "BELARUSIAN I" intertwines personal and collective experiences, using poetry as a medium to articulate the profound impact of history, politics, and identity on the lives of individuals in Belarus. The poem acts as both a personal narrative and a broader commentary on the resilience and challenges faced by a nation. Literary Devices Metaphor: Metaphor is a prominent literary device in "BELARUSIAN I," enriching the poem's meaning and emotional impact. The gymnast on the horizon serves as a metaphor for the uncertain future faced by the speaker and the Belarusian people. This image conveys a sense of precarious balance, suggesting that the challenges ahead require agility and resilience, much like a gymnast navigating a thin thread. The fiery hoop of the sun adds another layer, symbolizing both the harshness of their reality and the potential for transformation through endurance. Simile: While similes, direct comparisons using "like" or "as," are not as prevalent, the poem does contain implicit comparisons. Phrases like "the way you crawl from the ruins after a bombing" create vivid mental images, likening the act of emerging from devastation to a struggle for survival. This simile enhances the reader's understanding of the difficulty and desperation experienced by the speaker and the community. Repetition: Repetition is skillfully employed to underscore key themes and emphasize the relentless nature of the struggles described. The repetition of "we" in phrases like "we couldn't tell which of us was a girl or a boy" and "we grew up in a country where" serves to create a collective identity, emphasizing shared experiences within the community. Repetition of the pronoun "our" in "our mothers," "our future," and "the gymnast of our future" reinforces the communal bond and shared destiny of the people. Mort's adept use of metaphor, simile, and repetition in "BELARUSIAN I" enhances the poem's impact by creating a rich tapestry of images, fostering emotional engagement, and reinforcing key themes. These literary devices contribute to the effectiveness of the poem in conveying the complexities of personal and collective struggles within the context of Belarusian history and culture. 8. Connection to Contemporary Issues Resonance with Contemporary Social and Political Issues: Identity and Oppression: The theme of identity and the struggle against oppression in "BELARUSIAN I" resonates with contemporary social and political issues worldwide. Many societies grapple with questions of individual and collective identity, especially in the face of political regimes that may seek to suppress or control certain identities. Students can draw parallels between the speaker's quest for identity in the poem and current movements advocating for individual rights and cultural recognition. Political Turmoil and Authoritarianism: The portrayal of political turmoil and authoritarian control in the poem mirrors ongoing global concerns. Instances of political unrest, censorship, and challenges to democratic principles are prevalent in various regions. Students can explore parallels between the chariots arriving in darkness in the poem and contemporary situations where political forces attempt to silence dissent and control the narrative. Resilience in Adversity: The theme of resilience and survival amid adversity is universal and relevant to current events. In an era marked by global challenges such as pandemics, climate crises, and political upheaval, the poem's exploration of how individuals and communities endure and adapt can prompt discussions on the resilience exhibited by people in the face of contemporary challenges. Struggles for Freedom and Expression: The poem's depiction of struggling for freedom of expression, notably in lines about being completely free only in public toilets, reflects the challenges faced by individuals advocating for freedom and human rights today. Students can explore how various groups navigate restrictions on expression and the lengths to which they go to communicate and assert their voices. Encouraging Parallels with Current Events: Encourage students to draw connections between the themes of the poem and contemporary events by: Identifying instances in the news or historical events that echo the struggles depicted in the poem. Analyzing how individuals or communities assert their identity and resilience in the face of adversity today. Reflecting on the role of political and social movements in shaping identity and challenging oppressive systems. By drawing parallels, students can gain a deeper understanding of the enduring relevance of the poem's themes and engage in meaningful discussions about the intersections between literature, history, and contemporary society. This approach fosters critical thinking and encourages students to see poetry as a lens through which they can explore and comprehend the complexities of the world around them. here's a line-by-line explanation of the poem: 1. "even our mothers have no idea how we were born" - This line suggests a sense of mystery or confusion surrounding the circumstances of birth, emphasizing the difficulty and complexity of life. 2. "how we parted their legs and crawled out into the world" - The imagery here describes the act of being born, emphasizing the struggle and effort involved in entering the world. 3. "the way you crawl from the ruins after a bombing" - This simile compares the process of being born to crawling out of ruins after a destructive event, creating a vivid image of difficulty and chaos. 4. "we couldn’t tell which of us was a girl or a boy" - The confusion about gender at birth is highlighted, suggesting a lack of clarity or identity in the early stages of life. 5. "we gorged on dirt thinking it was bread and our future" - Metaphorically, this line implies that the individuals consumed something of little value, mistaking it for sustenance and a promising future. 6. "a gymnast on a thin thread of the horizon was performing there" - This metaphor suggests the precariousness of hope or a better future, represented by a gymnast on a thin horizon, performing at a challenging height. 7. "at the highest pitch bitch" - The word "bitch" here may be used as a strong, possibly derogatory expression, emphasizing the intensity or difficulty of the situation. 8. "we grew up in a country where first your door is stroked with chalk" - This line implies a form of markin g or targeting, possibly hinting at oppression or surveillance in the country. 9. "then at dark a chariot arrives and no one sees you anymore" - The arrival of a chariot in darkness suggests a mysterious and possibly ominous event where individuals disappear without notice. 10. "but riding in those cars were neither armed men nor a wanderer with a scythe" - The cars mentioned here do not carry the expected symbols of violence or death, creating a sense of uncertainty or unpredictability. 11. "this is how love loved to visit us and snatch us veiled" - Love is portrayed as a force that arrives unexpectedly, possibly leading to hidden or concealed consequences. 12. "completely free only in public toilets where for a little change nobody cared what we were doing" - The only place of relative freedom mentioned is public toilets, emphasizing the lack of privacy and societal indifference to personal actions. 13. "we fought the summer heat the winter snow" - This line signifies a continuous struggle against adverse weather conditions, representing life's challenges. 14. "when we discovered we ourselves were the language" - The realization that language and communication stem from the individuals themselves is highlighted, suggesting a self-sufficient means of expression. 15. "and our tongues were removed we started talking with our eyes" - Metaphorically, losing the ability to speak doesn't silence them; instead, they find alternative ways to communicate, such as through their eyes. 16. "when our eyes were poked out we talked with our hands" - Even when faced with extreme adversity, the individuals adapt by using different forms of non-verbal communication. 17. "when our hands were cut off we conversed with our toes" - The adaptation continues, as individuals find ways to communicate even when traditional means are taken away. 18. "when we were shot in the legs we nodded our head for yes and shook our heads for no" - Despite physical harm, the determination to communicate persists through gestures, demonstrating resilience. 19. "and when they ate our heads alive we crawled back into the bellies of our sleeping mothers" - This metaphorical resurrection implies a cycle of rebirth or renewal, seeking refuge and protection in the maternal womb amid extreme danger. 20. "as if into bomb shelters to be born again" - The final lines reinforce the theme of rebirth, likening the return to maternal shelter to seeking refuge in a bomb shelter amid danger. 21. "and there on the horizon the gymnast of our future was leaping through the fiery hoop" - The poem concludes with a symbolic image of hope, as the gymnast represents the future overcoming challenges, leaping through a fiery hoop.
