Background of Shadow of the Swan
That haunting image of a great white swan spreading its bellowing plumes as it incredibly evaporates, falling to earth, as the Kursk fell to the bottom of the sea, taking with it the memories of once living beings is devastating. Its awesome shadow cast upon the face of the earth makes us shutter. At the same time, it reminds us that both life and art are a continuum. We are but parts of that continuum. We live, we die and yet we remain alive in the memories of those we've touched.
Today these two incidents are dwarfed by the recent horrific events in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania. These events have touched people from all nations, and are galvanizing humanity, drawing it together through a shared vision of the future and a renewed sense of compassion for one another. Shadow of the Swan is a celebration of our indomitable human spirit.
The white tragic swan
of farewell explosion,
This white swan of death
made from the last breath
of seven evaporated souls,
Shook the gravestones of Arlington...
Gagarin's brotherly shadow
shuddered,
Immortally crucified on the stars...
Excerpted from "Requiem for Challenger"
YEVGENY YEVTUSHENKO, THE COLLECTED POEMS 1952 - 1990
Henry Holt and Company, New York, NY
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