Spring in St. Petersburg.....reposted for Ice

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Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

0 posted 2006-01-08 12:27 PM

Spring in St. Petersburg

It is spring in St. Petersburg
and the ice is growing thin.

The fisherman in sheepskin hats,
backs hunched and loaded,
their corkscrews in hand
trudge by the thousands
across the changing season,
listening for a shift in mood
a sudden change in color…
avoiding the slush called porridge.

The days are longer now
and a treasure
glistens in silver slither
beneath the surface in daring catch me,
man of Russia, man of foolishness
man who walk for miles
in solitary company
to read the ice.

They jealously watch each other,
for to catch one tiny smelt
is an act of courage,
and of love and survival,
for the belly of Russian families is hungry
and the pride of these men
walks quietly with them.

It is said the ice is seductive,
that it breathes and beckons
with its frigid mood,
that it sings with the wind,
and changes color to give a hint of salvation,
for knowledge saves a life
and carelessness brings death
in crunching and slashing ice floes
that shrink ‘til breath is swallowed
and time’s flailing arms sink.

It has been this way
and will be again,
for it is spring in St. Petersburg
and the ice is growing thin.

----------

repost from 5-4-00

Earth Angel
Member Empyrean

since 2002-08-27

Posts 40215
Realms of Light

1 posted 2006-01-08 12:38 PM

Martie, I give my thanks to ice for his being the reason for the repost of this phenomenal piece of writing! I enjoyed emensely this peek into life in Russia!

And yes, "It is said the ice is seductive,"

Lovin' hug,
Linda

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

2 posted 2006-01-08 01:19 PM

Thank you, Linda. I read an article in the LA Times...a really interesting article (5-2000) about the ice fisherman in Russia. It inspired this poem...and because Ford enjoys ice fishing I reposted it.

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

3 posted 2006-01-08 04:43 PM

It is amazing what we pick up in our reading, and how some writers, such as yourself, can imagine living among the fishermen of spring...

there, in St. Petersburg.

Ice, I am sure...will deem it a

as have I.

scorpio
Member Ascendant

since 2002-10-02

Posts 5178
right...there

4 posted 2006-01-08 05:32 PM

A cold way to catch one's supper. But it's can be invigorating on the ice on a sunny March afternoon.

believe in what your heart feels...

ice
Member Elite

since 2003-05-17

Posts 3404
Pennsylvania

5 posted 2006-01-08 07:50 PM

My goodness, Martie...Thank You for showing this poem.

It is not quite as cold in northern Pennsylvania as it is in Saint Petersburg....but sometimes it feels pretty close to it...

"The fisherman in sheepskin hats,
backs hunched and loaded,
their corkscrews in hand
trudge by the thousands
across the changing season,
listening for a shift in mood
a sudden change in color…
avoiding the slush called porridge."

There are hundreds of icefishermen here, maybe not thousands...but what I do find is that ice fisherman are a hardy breed...and if you do it long enough, you know the signs of "porridge ice"

It has a gray color to it, and it speaks a silent language, the Russian hears it in Russian, I hear it in English....It says do not tread on me, or your hair will become wet..at best.

"It is said the ice is seductive,
that it breathes and beckons
with its frigid mood,
that it sings with the wind,
and changes color to give a hint of salvation,
for knowledge saves a life
and carelessness brings death
in crunching and slashing ice floes
that shrink ‘til breath is swallowed
and time’s flailing arms sink."

I love the ice, it is female...and when you dance with her, she always leads...She is inteligent but indifferent..You may have a good time with her, but if you show disrespect, she can and will kill you.

"It has been this way
and will be again,
for it is spring in St. Petersburg
and the ice is growing thin."

I fished the ice last year until March 28th. Then the ice turned gray, I knew that the lakes would soon turn over.. When the redwing sings from last years cattail, I know It's time to bid lady ice goodbye.

A beautiful poem, I love it....

And thanks for the "nudge"

_________ _____ice
><>

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

6 posted 2006-01-08 08:27 PM

Beautifully written Martie...
And so nice to read Ford's reply.
Hugs~Nancy

In the midst of winter,
I found there lives within me..
An invincible summer.

iliana
Member Patricius

since 2003-12-05

Posts 13434
USA

7 posted 2006-01-09 02:03 AM

Martie, what a terrific write! Feel like I was an onlooker.

...jo

garysgirl

Member Laureate

since 2002-09-29

Posts 19237
Florida, USA

8 posted 2006-01-09 04:19 AM

Martie, I really loved this poem. Thanks for sharing.

This verse stood out at me.....

"It is said the ice is seductive,
that it breathes and beckons
with its frigid mood,
that it sings with the wind,
and changes color to give a hint of salvation,
for knowledge saves a life
and carelessness brings death
in crunching and slashing ice floes
that shrink ‘til breath is swallowed
and time’s flailing arms sink."

Hugs,
Ethel

littlewing
Member Rara Avis

since 2003-03-02

Posts 9655
New York

9 posted 2006-01-09 09:04 AM

Where, oh, where does your spirit travel when you write?

A most enchanted place indeed.

It is said the ice is seductive,
that it breathes and beckons
with its frigid mood,
that it sings with the wind,
and changes color to give a hint of salvation,
for knowledge saves a life
and carelessness brings death
in crunching and slashing ice floes
that shrink ‘til breath is swallowed
and time’s flailing arms sink.

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

10 posted 2006-01-09 07:15 PM

I have a friend who has been there twice. Makes me jealous just to read it. Nicely done.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Goodknight
Member Elite

since 2002-06-15

Posts 2386
Ohio, USA

11 posted 2006-01-09 09:54 PM

thanks for reposting - it is terrific - Paul

Honeybunch
Member Rara Avis

since 2001-12-29

Posts 7115
South Africa

12 posted 2006-01-10 02:35 PM

Martie - this is a wonderful write.

"It is said the ice is seductive,
that it breathes and beckons
with its frigid mood,"

I can see it through your words but perhaps will never touch it.

LeeJ
Member Patricius

since 2003-06-19

Posts 13296

13 posted 2006-01-10 02:49 PM

The fisherman in sheepskin hats,
backs hunched and loaded,
their corkscrews in hand
trudge by the thousands
across the changing season,
listening for a shift in mood
a sudden change in color…
avoiding the slush called porridge.

my oh my girl, you've woven a master piece here...loved this!!!!

ManOfWolves28
Member

since 2005-12-21

Posts 83

14 posted 2006-01-11 06:36 PM

I havent been ice fishing but one time and this made me want to go out and try it again. Im curious to know if its based on the place in Russia or not.

May the winds sweep through the moonless sky....

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

15 posted 2006-01-11 06:44 PM

Yes, it was based on an article I read in the LA Times about ice fishing in Russia. If you want me to try and find the article in the paper on line, I will. The article was from May of 2000, if you want to look for it yourself. Thanks for your interest.

Corinne
Member Ascendant

since 1999-10-28

Posts 5167
state of confusion

16 posted 2006-01-11 07:09 PM

this Man of Russia sounds intriguing -- as does this wonderful poem. What an interesting and orignal subject!

Far far from California, yes?

Hope all is well with you. No floods, either, I hope.

Corinne

abbymatilda
Junior Member

since 2003-12-22

Posts 35

17 posted 2006-01-16 10:23 PM

Very nice, Marti! I really love anything to do with Russia, it is my favorite language to sing in! Makes me want to sing some Rachmaninoff!
Abby

Ratleader

Member Rara Avis

since 2003-01-23

Posts 7026
Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass

18 posted 2006-01-22 08:24 PM

Well -- look what I found!

I'm glad I ran across this beauty, so I could put it back on top where it belongs.

The Lady
Member Rara Avis

since 2005-12-26

Posts 7634
The Southwest

19 posted 2006-01-23 12:19 PM

"They jealously watch each other,
for to catch one tiny smelt
is an act of courage,
and of love and survival,
for the belly of Russian families is hungry
and the pride of these men
walks quietly with them."

Oh. Breathless. Each word perfect.

Bridget Shenachie
Senior Member

since 2002-01-23

Posts 1056
Kansas USA

20 posted 2006-01-24 04:57 PM

Wow, Martie! Have you ever been to St. Petersberg? Have you ever been ice fishing?
This is amazing writing! but I think that it is just you...

Shenache

MUSEconnieSEconnie
Member

since 2006-02-28

Posts 74
california

21 posted 2006-03-01 04:30 AM

DEAR MARTIE

I AM STILL FIGURING THIS FORUM OUT.  THIS POST IS FOR YOUR POEM, SPRING IN ST. PETERSBERG. I ACCIDENTLY POSTED IT AS A NEW TOPIC SO I COPIED IT HERE FOR YOU.

I LOVE A GOOD CIRCLE POEM AND THIS ONE IS MAGNIFICENT.  I FELT THIS POEM AND THE INHERENT SADNESS IN THE PEOPLE WHO STRUGGLED AGAINST THE ODDS TO FEED A NOBLE PEOPLE.  CONGRATS!
HUGGGGGGGS
MUSEconnieHUES

I AM BLIND/I POST IN CAPS. FORGIVE IF THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE. A VOICE READER HELPS ME READ POSTS.  MY SCR-NAME POSTED WRONG, IT IS MUSEconnieHUES

I AM BLIND/I POST IN CAPS. FORGIVE IF THEY ARE UNCOMFORTABLE. A VOICE READER HELPS ME READ POSTS. MY SCR-NAME POSTED WRONG, IT IS MUSEconnieHUES

lgina
Member

since 2004-07-20

Posts 52

22 posted 2006-03-01 09:01 PM

Martie, Hello my friend. Waht a beautiful poem. I feel like I was chilled and right there along side. Thanks for sharing this write. Love ya

icequeen
Senior Member

since 2001-12-09

Posts 633
FL USA

23 posted 2006-03-02 12:00 PM

I think I could not have picked a better night to lurk and eavesdrop, for look what I have found... this is absolutely enchanting, Martie dear... *sigh*
I've missed you and your writes!

Caroline
*runs off looking for more*

the only man worth your tears will never make you cry

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

24 posted 2006-03-07 09:17 PM

(smiles) Awwwwwww, this is sooooooo beautiful, sweet friend, I can absolutely tell our dearest Ford loves this soooooo very much, and though I've never gone ice fishing, I've fished with my grandpa a lot when I'd visit him every summer in Cape Giradeau, Missouri and there's just this immeasurable solace that fills his heart when I'm sitting with him as though he can interpret all the poetry of Lake Bouton, the Mississippi River, the cicadas, everything, and that's really what makes a fishing trip truly memorable to me! (giggles) Yay, this is gorgeous, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Martie, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other"

Mother Teresa

OwlSA
Member Rara Avis

since 2005-11-07

Posts 9347
Durban, South Africa

25 posted 2006-03-08 08:36 AM

Every emotion under the sun weaved into this ice-tapestry with exquisite Martie-artistry to shiver the imagination of all who read! THANK YOU MARTIE FOR MY ELATION AND THANK YOU ICE for requesting this and for your ice-melting response to it.

- Owl

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