Leningrad by John Updike

Филонофф: литературный дневник

"To build a window on the West"
Great Peter came to Neva`s mouth
And found a swamp, which he opresses
With stones imported from the south


The city, subtly polycrome
(Old ochre, green and dull maroon),
Can make Italians feelat home
Beneath the titled arctic noon.


The Palace holds, pistachio,
A wilderness of treasure where
The ghosts of plump czarinas go
On dragging diamonds up the stair.


Suburban acres of the dead
Memorialize the Siege, a hell
Of blackened snow and watered bread.
Some couples Twist in our hotel.


1964, from

Postcards from SU



Другие статьи в литературном дневнике:

  • 17.02.2009. Leningrad by John Updike