Followers

Monday, July 24, 2006

Getting By With A Little Help From His Friends

Perhaps the Russian poet Anna Akhmatova is a perfect example of the power that resides within words. At a time when the work of poets was considered a threat to the Soviet state, Akmatova was a profound voice - especially for women and the oppressed.

The Ships Pass Quietly is a play set in the 1950's in Leningrad. Two women are in their sixties, Anna and Lydia work in their kitchen... Anna writing and Lydia mentally recording AnnaÂ’s poetry with care that the some nosyneighborr might overhear them and report them to the authorities. Read an account of this play here.

*****

The Hussein Trial Resumes, Again Without Hussein - Saddam Hussein has been on a hunger strike. Meanwhile, the onlydefendantt to show was Barzan al-Tikriti, Mr. HusseinÂ’s half-brother. Chief Judge Raouf Abdel Rahman admonished Barzan al-Tikriti for reciting poetry and challenging the American-led invasion of Iraq.

*****

Donald Hall got a little help having the word "funky" defined for him. [story here]

No comments: