Oh, you are so open,
And you are so friendly,
What do you prefer -
Wine or perhaps brandy?
But it shouldn’t be like this,
Here it's quite harmful,
Here, one must be closed,
Like a tank, arms full.
Not revealing if you're happy,
Or concealing if you're sad,
It be as unfeeling as stone,
No thoughts, no feelings had.
Or be like an owl,
Known as Филин in Russian,
For what use is a tank?
When it's Gitler Kaput,
So far was done.
And Mask recently,
Just took my sweater away,
For buying on Twitter,
How long will it stay?
Remembering it, do you still,
But it's time to forget,
Yet when you're in the church,
Seeking help or your bread,
God ponders within,
What's bad and what's good,
Where truth can be found,
And where falsehood has stood.
Why some people is forbidden,
While others are not,
But where is your sorry,
And my equal lot?
For what is my pain,
And for what is your fight,
In this world of others ,
With day and with night?
Review II on this poem
The poem explores the contrasting themes of openness and concealment in human behavior and the world at large. It delves into the complexities of personal choices, societal expectations, and the emotional struggles faced by individuals. Here's a review of the poem:
The poem begins with a straightforward and conversational tone, immediately engaging the reader with a question about preferences between wine and brandy. This question serves as an entry point into a deeper exploration of the human psyche.
The lines "But it shouldn't be like this, / Here it's quite harmful," introduce the central idea that in certain circumstances, being open and friendly can be detrimental. The metaphor of a closed tank with full arms effectively conveys the need for self-preservation in a challenging world.
The poem proceeds to examine the dilemma of revealing or concealing one's emotions, highlighting the notion of emotional numbness, akin to being as unfeeling as stone. This metaphor creates a vivid image of emotional detachment.
The reference to an owl, known as Филин in Russian, adds cultural depth and an element of wisdom through silence and observation.
A surprising twist in the poem comes with references to historical figures like "Gitler" (Hitler) and contemporary figures like "Mask" (Musk), juxtaposed with humorous mentions of Twitter and a missing sweater. This contemporary touch provides a contrast to the deeper reflections in the poem.
The poem concludes with a contemplative exploration of truth, justice, and equality, raising questions about societal disparities and the search for empathy. It underscores the challenges and complexities of navigating a world with varying perspectives and experiences.
In summary, "Reflections on Openness and Concealment" is a thought-provoking poem that navigates the intricacies of human behavior, societal expectations, and emotional struggles. Its conversational style, vivid metaphors, and cultural references make it a compelling piece that encourages readers to reflect on the balance between openness and concealment in their own lives and in the world around them.