Monument to the Heroes of the Revolution

A bit of history-got a new student from Novosibirsk today

A culture born of sacrifice,
peasants turned comrades
equally sharing the miseries
of the revolution.

A common grave, a monument
and school children who came
to look and steel themselves
beneath the cold hammer and sickle

that swung over their heads
as they pulled the party line
to school and back again,
bellies filled with meatless stews

eschewing the glory of the worker
while the Central Committee members
shopped in Paris and schooled their
children in the decadence of the west.

Walls have long since fallen but
the Monument to the Heroes of the Revolution
stands unchanged while trees have grown to create
a surreal and serene setting upon bones

that still clatter in the ears of history;
a social experiment bathed in blood
and the forfeiture of generations
simply noted as a footnote in failure.

Author's Note

The Monument to the Heroes of the Revolution is a memorial located in the very center of Novosibirsk, Russia.Originally, it was a place where 104 fighters for the Soviet Revolution were buried in a common grave on January 22, 1920. A monument was erected and officially opened on November 7, 1922. By the mid-1990s it had become neglected and it has not been modified. As a result, this is arguably one of the most authentic and best preserved examples of an original untouched Soviet era historic site.

Reviews

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

This is a solemn reminder of the the millions of people who have suffered, starved, and died under the hands of Communism. Even more sad is the fact that we are modern-day witnesses to the very same (i.e. North Korea). Even sadder than that is how so many willingly bind themselves in the chains of a government that promises them everything for nothing, which marches us surely toward the same end. This is what happens when people are looking for a savior outside of themselves and are willing to abdicate personal responsibility and freedom.

I can still hear Obama talking about "shared sacrifice," but it seems the only ones who have been sacrficed and have sacrficed are the American people. While jobs are lost and more and more people are sucking off the government feeding tube, he's busy partying with Jay-Z and Beyonce, golfing in Hawaii, and visiting with Jay Leno and David Letterman and the women of 'The View.'

And then I remember the words of Ayn Rand, "It only stands to reason that where there's sacrifice, there's someone collecting the sacrificial offerings. Where there's service, there is someone being served. The man who speaks to you of sacrifice is speaking of slaves and masters, and intends to be the master."

[icelandicblue]

What a marvelous response! I am sure to read this more than one time you can be sure! The quote at the end resounds.

[Angi]

I just read, 'The Bronze Horsemen' by Paullina Simons. This piece took me straight to the Russia painted in this book. I really like historical pieces. This was well written, Blue. Angi~

[icelandicblue]

Oh thank you for that Angi, I am happy the scene seemed genuine and fit into the Russia that you read about.

[Angi]

Have you read any of Paulina Simons' work? If you like old Russia, you would love, love her work. The Bronze Horseman is first in a trilogy.

[icelandicblue]

I will download it on my kindle as soon as I finish Fall's the Shadow- a trilogy about the history of Wales. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Angi]

Be sure to let me know if you like it.

[icelandicblue]

I was at Barnes and Noble tonight and I bought the book! I'll let you know. Thanks for the recommendation.

[David Scott]

I like history Blue. You do well to remind us how histories bind us together in common past and common fates...

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much David, you are right our fates are common and intertwined.

[Tom]

Yet another tragic example of man's inhumanity to his fellow man, may they rest in peace! Life must have been difficult for them... to say the least !

A touching, poetic tribute to their memory !

[icelandicblue]

Thanks Tom for your thoughts.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

The reality of this and the parallels to the Syrian conflict brought tears to my eyes! We never learn from history or poetry!

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much John-
We repeat our mistakes over and over...I appreciate your insight and for taking the time to read and comment.

[Jack...]

Very, very cool Anne. A poem and a history lesson in the same reading. I had no idea about this monument and loved learning about it today. your poem was fantastic, like I have come to expect from you.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks Jack,

I will forever be a teacher I think. I love learning about new things and sharing that knowledge. Just can't help myself, used to drive my parents batty at the dinner table and it drives my kids batty too.

[Jack...]

Well my friend, if it makes you smile any broader, I love learning from you.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

a very moving, interesting poem that gave me a touch of history...

those who fight for change should never be forgotten...

nicely done, Anne.

jacob

[icelandicblue]

Thanks Jacob- it was a weird subject but I just had to do it.

: 0

[Baby Ricochet]

Viva la revolution! THAT'S COMMIE TALK!!! I swear back in the day the communists gave Americans the heebie jeebies like no one else could. Ya just gotta love a poem about a commie monument, I mean seriously, I couldn't even come up with that one. Well if I threw in some sex and the F word, maybe.

[icelandicblue]

Haha...I think the last stanza gets me out of the red! Thanks for the laugh. God now someone will start bitching we need a black list on the site for commie poets. As you know nothing is off limits when you're a poet. ; )

[Sheila Kline]

How wonderful it is to learn of another place, and you have taught me of this monument through your poem and the words you post in the Author's Note. So many are forgotten and just a note on a road sign, or a plaque that people pass by every day without taking notice! We have so much to discover!! Thank you for this lesson of the fighters for the Soviet Revolution, and for helping the young girl find out more about where she is from!!

[icelandicblue]

Thanks Sheila,

Your responses are so upbeat and supportive. Thanks so much. ; )

[Rita L. Sev]

This is a fascinating and well written history lesson, Blue - and I so admire that you took time to learn something of your new student's culture, and pass it on in this fine piece.

[icelandicblue]

I love history, truly it is a love of mine. This sweet little girl from Novosibirsk and I just wanted to know something about where she came from. I am enamored of Russian culture and I have a few poems about it so this was actually fun for me. Thanks so much for reading, I know it won't be everyone's cup of tea.

[Angel]

This is absolutely brilliant. And you taught me something, this evening, that I did not know.
Thank you.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks Angel, I got a new student to today from Russia and I wanted to know something about where she came from so I did some research and voila! I appreciate that
you enjoyed it and learned something.