BELARUSIAN I

The Poem

even our mothers have no idea how we were born

how we parted their legs and crawled out into the world
the way you crawl from the ruins after a bombing
we couldn’t tell which of us was a girl or a boy
we gorged on dirt thinking it was bread
and our future
a gymnast on a thin thread of the horizon
was performing there
at the highest pitch
bitch

we grew up in a country where

first your door is stroked with chalk
then at dark a chariot arrives
and no one sees you anymore
but riding in those cars were neither
armed men nor
a wanderer with a scythe
this is how love loved to visit us
and snatch us veiled

completely free only in public toilets

where for a little change nobody cared what we were doing
we fought the summer heat the winter snow
when we discovered we ourselves were the language
and our tongues were removed we started talking with our eyes
when our eyes were poked out we talked with our hands
when our hands were cut off we conversed with our toes
when we were shot in the legs we nodded our head for yes
and shook our heads for no and when they ate our heads alive
we crawled back into the bellies of our sleeping mothers
as if into bomb shelters
to be born again

and there on the horizon the gymnast of our future

was leaping through the fiery hoop
of the sun
© Translation: 2008, Valzhyna Mort, Franz Wright and Elizabeth Oehlkers Wright
From: Factory of Tears
Publisher: Copper Canyon Press, , 2008

1. Introduction

Introduction to Valzhyna Mort:

Valzhyna Mort is a contemporary Belarusian-American poet born in Minsk, Belarus, in

1981. Her poetry is characterized by its intense imagery, emotional depth, and

exploration of personal and collective experiences in the context of political and social

upheaval.

Poem's Origin and Publication:

The poem "BELARUSIAN I" is part of Mort's collection titled "Factory of Tears,"

published in 2008 by Copper Canyon Press. This collection delves into Mort's

experiences growing up in Belarus, offering a poignant reflection on identity, survival,

and the impact of historical and political events on individuals.

Significance of Examining Poetry from Diverse Cultural Perspectives:

Studying poetry from diverse cultural perspectives, such as Mort's Belarusian

background, enriches our understanding of the human experience. It allows us to

explore unique narratives, histories, and emotions that might be overlooked in a more

homogenous literary curriculum. Poetry becomes a lens through which we gain insights

into different cultures, fostering empathy, broadening perspectives, and promoting a

more inclusive appreciation of the world's literary heritage.

2. Overview of the Poem

Structure of the Poem:

"BELARUSIAN I" is written in free verse, meaning it lacks a traditional rhyme scheme

and meter. This form gives Mort the freedom to express herself without the constraints

of a predetermined structure. The lack of a strict form enhances the raw and unfiltered

nature of the poem, allowing the poet to capture the intensity of personal and collective

experiences.

Title: "BELARUSIAN I" and Its Implications:

The title, "BELARUSIAN I," suggests a strong connection between the poet's identity

and her Belarusian heritage. The use of the first person ("I") emphasizes the personal

and introspective nature of the poem. It signals that the narrative is deeply rooted in

Mort's individual experiences as a Belarusian, inviting readers to explore a specific

cultural and historical perspective. The title not only highlights the poet's identity but also

sets the stage for an exploration of the broader collective identity of the Belarusian

people.

Summary of the Narrative:

The poem vividly describes the harsh realities of growing up in Belarus during a

tumultuous time. It portrays a childhood marked by confusion, hardship, and survival.

The speaker reflects on a collective experience of a generation that faced challenges,

including political turmoil and societal disarray. The narrative touches on themes of

identity, resilience, and the ways individuals adapt to adverse circumstances.

Throughout the poem, Mort uses powerful imagery to convey the struggles and

endurance of a community shaped by historical events and personal ordeals.

3. Themes (15 mins)

Identity and Self-Discovery:

Valzhyna Mort explores the theme of identity and self-discovery by delving into the

speaker's experiences growing up in Belarus. The use of the first person in the title,

"BELARUSIAN I," signals a journey of self-exploration within the context of a specific

cultural identity. Throughout the poem, Mort reflects on the challenges of understanding

oneself in a complex and tumultuous environment, where personal identity is intertwined

with the collective history of the Belarusian people.

Impact of Political and Social Turmoil:

The poem vividly captures the impact of political and social turmoil on personal

experience. Descriptions of crawling from ruins, the presence of chariots, and the

disappearance of individuals at night suggest the pervasive influence of political

upheaval. The chariot arriving in darkness symbolizes an ominous force, and the

speaker's experiences reflect the disruptive effects of political unrest on everyday life.

Mort paints a stark picture of a community marked by the intrusion of external forces

that alter the course of individual lives.

Resilience and Survival:

Resilience and survival in the face of adversity are central themes in the poem. The

speaker recounts moments of hardship, from gorging on dirt in a metaphorical hunger

for sustenance and future, to adapting communication methods as external forces

attempt to silence voices. The progression from crawling to nodding and shaking heads

to crawling back into the bellies of sleeping mothers illustrates a relentless

determination to endure, adapt, and survive despite the challenges imposed by external

circumstances.

4. Imagery and Symbolism

Crawling from Ruins:

The imagery of "crawling from ruins" is a potent symbol representing emergence and

survival in the aftermath of destruction. This visual metaphor suggests a profound

struggle for existence, echoing the historical and political turmoil faced by Belarus. The

ruins may symbolize the impact of wars, political upheavals, or societal breakdowns.

The act of crawling implies both the difficulty and determination of individuals to

navigate and transcend the challenges posed by their tumultuous past. In the context of

the poem, this image encapsulates the collective resilience of a people rising from the

devastation of their history, emphasizing the indomitable spirit to rebuild and move

forward.

Eating Dirt as a Metaphor for Hardship:

The metaphor of "gorging on dirt thinking it was bread" creates a visceral image of

deprivation and hardship. This metaphorical act of consuming dirt serves as a poignant

commentary on the struggles for sustenance and the difficulty in distinguishing between

sustenance and adversity. It becomes a metaphor for the challenges faced by the

speaker and the community in navigating a world where basic needs, represented by

"bread," are elusive or distorted. This image underscores the harsh realities of survival

and the resilience required to endure in the face of scarcity.

The Gymnast on the Horizon:

The gymnast on the horizon is a rich and symbolic image representing the uncertain

future and the delicate balance required to navigate it. The gymnast, a figure associated

with agility and precision, becomes a metaphor for the resilience needed to perform

amidst chaos. Placed on the horizon, the gymnast also embodies a distant and

challenging vision of the future. The fiery hoop of the sun intensifies this symbol,
suggesting that the path forward is not only precarious but also illuminated by the harsh

realities of their present. This image encapsulates the theme of identity and the

challenges faced by the Belarusian people as they strive for balance, adaptability, and

endurance in the face of an unpredictable future.

Significance of Symbols in Context:

These symbols collectively contribute to the poem's exploration of identity, survival, and

the impact of historical and political events on individuals and communities in Belarus.

They convey a narrative of struggle, resilience, and adaptation, inviting readers to

reflect on the complexities of navigating a world shaped by hardship and upheaval. The

vivid imagery, laden with symbolic meaning, enhances the emotional impact of the

poem, fostering a deeper connection between the reader and the experiences depicted

by Valzhyna Mort.

Cultural Context

● Provide background information on Belarus, considering its history and

socio-political context.
● Discuss how Mort's personal experiences and the collective history of
Belarus influence the poem.

Background on Belarus:

Belarus, situated in Eastern Europe, has a complex history marked by influences from

neighboring powers. It was part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, later falling under

Polish and Russian rule. Throughout the 20th century, Belarus faced the challenges of

World War I, the Russian Revolution, and Sovietization. During World War II, it endured

significant devastation, and post-war Belarus became one of the Soviet Socialist
Republics. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 further impacted the region. In 1991,

Belarus gained independence with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, but it faced

socio-political challenges, including authoritarian governance.

Influence on the Poem:

Valzhyna Mort's personal experiences growing up in Belarus, combined with the

collective history of the nation, deeply influence "BELARUSIAN I." The poem serves as

a reflection on the socio-political climate and the impact of historical events on the

individual and collective psyche of the Belarusian people.

Political Turmoil and Disruption: References to chariots arriving in darkness and the

disappearance of individuals at night allude to the political turmoil and oppressive

regimes that have marked Belarusian history. Mort's experiences align with a generation

that witnessed political and societal disruption, influencing the struggles depicted in the

poem.

Resilience Amidst Adversity: Belarus's history of enduring wars, Soviet rule, and political

challenges is mirrored in the theme of resilience and survival in Mort's poem. The

struggles described in the poem can be seen as a metaphor for the collective

endurance of the Belarusian people, overcoming hardships while attempting to preserve

their identity.

Cultural Identity: The title "BELARUSIAN I" emphasizes the poet's connection to her

cultural identity. Mort delves into the challenges of identity and self-discovery within the

context of a nation with a rich but often tumultuous history. The poem becomes a

vehicle for Mort to explore her own cultural heritage and the impact of this heritage on

her sense of self.

Post-Soviet Experience: The poem, written in the post-Soviet era, reflects on the

aftermath of Soviet influence. The gymnast on the horizon may symbolize a vision of the

future, navigating the complexities of a post-Soviet Belarus, hinting at the struggle for a

new identity in the aftermath of political and social changes.

In essence, Mort's "BELARUSIAN I" intertwines personal and collective experiences,

using poetry as a medium to articulate the profound impact of history, politics, and

identity on the lives of individuals in Belarus. The poem acts as both a personal

narrative and a broader commentary on the resilience and challenges faced by a nation.

Literary Devices

Metaphor:

Metaphor is a prominent literary device in "BELARUSIAN I," enriching the poem's

meaning and emotional impact. The gymnast on the horizon serves as a metaphor for

the uncertain future faced by the speaker and the Belarusian people. This image

conveys a sense of precarious balance, suggesting that the challenges ahead require

agility and resilience, much like a gymnast navigating a thin thread. The fiery hoop of

the sun adds another layer, symbolizing both the harshness of their reality and the

potential for transformation through endurance.

Simile:

While similes, direct comparisons using "like" or "as," are not as prevalent, the poem

does contain implicit comparisons. Phrases like "the way you crawl from the ruins after

a bombing" create vivid mental images, likening the act of emerging from devastation to

a struggle for survival. This simile enhances the reader's understanding of the difficulty

and desperation experienced by the speaker and the community.

Repetition:

Repetition is skillfully employed to underscore key themes and emphasize the relentless

nature of the struggles described. The repetition of "we" in phrases like "we couldn't tell

which of us was a girl or a boy" and "we grew up in a country where" serves to create a

collective identity, emphasizing shared experiences within the community. Repetition of

the pronoun "our" in "our mothers," "our future," and "the gymnast of our future"

reinforces the communal bond and shared destiny of the people.

Mort's adept use of metaphor, simile, and repetition in "BELARUSIAN I" enhances the

poem's impact by creating a rich tapestry of images, fostering emotional engagement,

and reinforcing key themes. These literary devices contribute to the effectiveness of the

poem in conveying the complexities of personal and collective struggles within the

context of Belarusian history and culture.

8. Connection to Contemporary Issues

Resonance with Contemporary Social and Political Issues:

Identity and Oppression:

The theme of identity and the struggle against oppression in "BELARUSIAN I"

resonates with contemporary social and political issues worldwide. Many societies

grapple with questions of individual and collective identity, especially in the face of

political regimes that may seek to suppress or control certain identities. Students can

draw parallels between the speaker's quest for identity in the poem and current

movements advocating for individual rights and cultural recognition.

Political Turmoil and Authoritarianism:

The portrayal of political turmoil and authoritarian control in the poem mirrors ongoing

global concerns. Instances of political unrest, censorship, and challenges to democratic

principles are prevalent in various regions. Students can explore parallels between the

chariots arriving in darkness in the poem and contemporary situations where political

forces attempt to silence dissent and control the narrative.

Resilience in Adversity:

The theme of resilience and survival amid adversity is universal and relevant to current

events. In an era marked by global challenges such as pandemics, climate crises, and

political upheaval, the poem's exploration of how individuals and communities endure

and adapt can prompt discussions on the resilience exhibited by people in the face of

contemporary challenges.

Struggles for Freedom and Expression:

The poem's depiction of struggling for freedom of expression, notably in lines about

being completely free only in public toilets, reflects the challenges faced by individuals

advocating for freedom and human rights today. Students can explore how various

groups navigate restrictions on expression and the lengths to which they go to

communicate and assert their voices.

Encouraging Parallels with Current Events:

Encourage students to draw connections between the themes of the poem and

contemporary events by:

Identifying instances in the news or historical events that echo the struggles depicted in

the poem.
Analyzing how individuals or communities assert their identity and resilience in the face

of adversity today.

Reflecting on the role of political and social movements in shaping identity and

challenging oppressive systems.

By drawing parallels, students can gain a deeper understanding of the enduring

relevance of the poem's themes and engage in meaningful discussions about the

intersections between literature, history, and contemporary society. This approach

fosters critical thinking and encourages students to see poetry as a lens through which

they can explore and comprehend the complexities of the world around them.

here's a line-by-line explanation of the poem:

1. "even our mothers have no idea how we were born"

- This line suggests a sense of mystery or confusion surrounding the circumstances of birth,
emphasizing the difficulty and complexity of life.

2. "how we parted their legs and crawled out into the world"
- The imagery here describes the act of being born, emphasizing the struggle and effort
involved in entering the world.

3. "the way you crawl from the ruins after a bombing"

- This simile compares the process of being born to crawling out of ruins after a destructive
event, creating a vivid image of difficulty and chaos.

4. "we couldn’t tell which of us was a girl or a boy"

- The confusion about gender at birth is highlighted, suggesting a lack of clarity or identity in
the early stages of life.

5. "we gorged on dirt thinking it was bread and our future"

- Metaphorically, this line implies that the individuals consumed something of little value,
mistaking it for sustenance and a promising future.

6. "a gymnast on a thin thread of the horizon was performing there"

- This metaphor suggests the precariousness of hope or a better future, represented by a
gymnast on a thin horizon, performing at a challenging height.
7. "at the highest pitch bitch"
- The word "bitch" here may be used as a strong, possibly derogatory expression,
emphasizing the intensity or difficulty of the situation.

8. "we grew up in a country where first your door is stroked with chalk"
- This line implies a form of markin

g or targeting, possibly hinting at oppression or surveillance in the country.

9. "then at dark a chariot arrives and no one sees you anymore"

- The arrival of a chariot in darkness suggests a mysterious and possibly ominous event
where individuals disappear without notice.

10. "but riding in those cars were neither armed men nor a wanderer with a scythe"
- The cars mentioned here do not carry the expected symbols of violence or death, creating a
sense of uncertainty or unpredictability.

11. "this is how love loved to visit us and snatch us veiled"

- Love is portrayed as a force that arrives unexpectedly, possibly leading to hidden or
concealed consequences.

12. "completely free only in public toilets where for a little change nobody cared what we were
doing"
- The only place of relative freedom mentioned is public toilets, emphasizing the lack of
privacy and societal indifference to personal actions.

13. "we fought the summer heat the winter snow"

- This line signifies a continuous struggle against adverse weather conditions, representing
life's challenges.

14. "when we discovered we ourselves were the language"

- The realization that language and communication stem from the individuals themselves is
highlighted, suggesting a self-sufficient means of expression.

15. "and our tongues were removed we started talking with our eyes"
- Metaphorically, losing the ability to speak doesn't silence them; instead, they find alternative
ways to communicate, such as through their eyes.

16. "when our eyes were poked out we talked with our hands"
- Even when faced with extreme adversity, the individuals adapt by using different forms of
non-verbal communication.

17. "when our hands were cut off we conversed with our toes"
 - The adaptation continues, as individuals find ways to communicate even when traditional
means are taken away.

18. "when we were shot in the legs we nodded our head for yes and shook our heads for no"
- Despite physical harm, the determination to communicate persists through gestures,
demonstrating resilience.

19. "and when they ate our heads alive we crawled back into the bellies of our sleeping
mothers"
- This metaphorical resurrection implies a cycle of rebirth or renewal, seeking refuge and
protection in the maternal womb amid extreme danger.

20. "as if into bomb shelters to be born again"

- The final lines reinforce the theme of rebirth, likening the return to maternal shelter to
seeking refuge in a bomb shelter amid danger.

21. "and there on the horizon the gymnast of our future was leaping through the fiery hoop"
- The poem concludes with a symbolic image of hope, as the gymnast represents the future
overcoming challenges, leaping through a fiery hoop.