Let’s talk about independence.
Does it exist in our world?
“I am free, unique and non-dependent,”
I wouldn’t say so. Here’s the thought.
Let’s not forget about culture,
Enculturation – if precisely.
Evolving like an agriculture,
It is affecting us. Concisely…
I am, for instance, an example,
Society’s product and creation.
My “I” in this case was not trampled,
But formed under the norms of nation.
My childhood happened in cold country,
That’s famous for, indeed, harsh winters.
Its name is Russia, and abruptly,
it shows up in your news like splinters.
I learned to be secretive person,
As people tend to be neglectful.
And in the end, if life is worsened,
I handle it until it’s dreadful.
I handle it because ancestors
could endure hunger and privation.
Since WW2 ignored protesters,
their life was full of the starvation.
I am proud being a descendant
of those who could defeat that evil.
My memories of them like pendant;
they stay and follow me like eagle.
Do not give up! Be brave and risky!
That’s lesson history has taught me.
And if it is bad, the cup of whiskey’s
at tough time going to support me.
Regardless of my admiration
and being part of Russian culture,
I can’t accept a clear dictation
that was created by an old vulture.
Its way of treating those less powered
Is cruel, should be banned forever.
But Russians, being so devoured
By it, unluckily trust whatever.
I wasn’t one of those who trusted
My parents taught me truth, not lying.
Politics made them so disgusted.
It left with nothing us but flying.
While traveling too far from city
That played a big part in my growing,
I thought of leaving with a pity
While bright, upcoming stars were glowing.
I thought of wisdom that’ve been sharing
Between grandparents and the children:
Implied restrictions on the swearing,
The love of reading under linden,
The understanding of the minor,
And looking through the eyes of others,
Remaining silent in the diner,
And taking care of the brothers,
Being polite, respectful, cheerful,
Sarcastic, generous and funny,
Not greedy, neither very fearful,
and loyal to my friends, not money…
I’ve learned a lot due to my parents;
Society helped me and the culture.
Thank you for caring and your presence
and let’s avoid being like vulture.