LPiA-24 Nov. 10

[dukealien]

Nesting Dolls


The enigma, as with women,
is what does Russia want?
And the answer (as with
women as a group) is, first
to be held in respect;
second, to be valued
for her role and place.
Just so, Russia insists
on both respect and valuation
as both bridge and wall
to and against non-European,
anti-Christian cultures.

So the enigma, first wooden doll
opens like an egg of Faberge
to disclose the mystery.

A mystery, yearningly stated,
is what will Russia do?
Secrecy’s the blood and faith
of Russian governance
and, to evade it, character
of individuals as well.
But Russia also puts
her best foot forward outwardly
in show and spectacle, wishing
to be respectable as well
as strong.  Key of the mystery,
to the inner egg of Faberge
that twist which opens
the inner wooden doll
is yearning for acceptance.
If this is supplied,
Russia will take pride
in behaving well.

Inscrutable mystery unscrewed,
the final doll remains–
a little solid babushka
with painted Mona Lisa smile.

Thus the final riddle posed,
dichotomy, the double-headed eagle–
what will Russia be?
Tyrant or savior of the West,
threat or compatriot,
impulsive or reserved,
beautifully diverse
as St. Basil’s in sunlight
or ugly as Chernobyl?
That’s a riddle only slightly
less complex than Time itself
but respecting, valuing,
accepting without pandering
can’t hurt.