03-11-2022, 11:04 PM
Absolving Z
I knew - still do - a Russian emigree
who though a US resident for years
would still view Russian TV of a night
for solace from the gnawing daily need
to translate words and phrases constantly.
I ponder this and think I understand
how Russian people (who can only hear
one side and that a false one in the tongue
which passes into mind without a pause
to translate or to thoughtfully resist)
align with agitprop of crudity
that shocks us. Their enthusiasm reigns–
informed by all their ears can purely hear–
synthetic, artificial, but sincere
for Putin’s lying semi-swastika.
I knew - still do - a Russian emigree
who though a US resident for years
would still view Russian TV of a night
for solace from the gnawing daily need
to translate words and phrases constantly.
I ponder this and think I understand
how Russian people (who can only hear
one side and that a false one in the tongue
which passes into mind without a pause
to translate or to thoughtfully resist)
align with agitprop of crudity
that shocks us. Their enthusiasm reigns–
informed by all their ears can purely hear–
synthetic, artificial, but sincere
for Putin’s lying semi-swastika.
Non-practicing atheist