Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CZAR PASSES, by FANIA KRUGER


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CZAR PASSES, by                    
First Line: One july noon when I was twelve
Last Line: After the czar had passed.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Russia; Royal Court Life; Royalty; Kings; Queens; Soviet Union; Russians


One July noon when I was twelve
The Czar was coming into town.
(Oh, he will be as bright as God,
In gilded robe and golden crown!)

I wore my Sunday, cashmere dress
And lightly ran up Nefsky Street.
My cheeks were flushed, my brow was wet,
The hot stones burned my naked feet.

The people cheered on every side.
The hats went up into the air.
Their cry, "He comes, the God of earth!"
Was half a shout, was half a prayer.

A woman fainted from the heat;
A child fell, trampled by the throng;
A bearded drunkard clapped his hands,
Singing a ribald peasant song.

I waited, hoped with quickening breath;
(The Czar will spread his generous hand,
His word will lift the blight of want,
And give us freedom, bread and land!)

The Czar will put an end to fear!
(My heart was beating fast, and sang.)
The music sounded, sun gleamed high;
The anthem played; the bronze bells rang.

He rode, amid the Cossack guard,
Upon his face death-shadows played;
He came -- this puny man in grey...
How can that be? The Czar afraid?

(Why is there need of bodyguard?
Why is his face so still and grave?
Why does he cower like a serf?
The God of Russia is not brave!)

Alone I stumbled up the street.
My blood ran hot, my pulse beat fast.
All night I tossed in puzzled fear
After the Czar had passed.





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