Andrei Voznesensky: Five Poems

Andrei Voznesensky (May 12, 1933 – June 1, 2010) was one of the most original and daring poets of the Soviet Era. As a 14-year old, he sent his poems to Boris Pasternak, and soon became his apprentice. He graduated as an architect in 1957, but a fire in the institute, which was symbolic to young Voznesensky, caused him to reconsider his career and he chose instead to focus on his poetry. His first publications in the late 50’s caused a sensation. After successful trips abroad to Europe and US, Voznesensky attracted the attention of such prominent people as president Kennedy and Marylin Monroe. His success abroad led to jealousy at home and he was publicly attacked, humiliated and threatened with exile by the General Secretary of the Communist Party, Nikita Khrushchev. His poetry was so popular in Russia, that he would easily pack stadiums with his readings. He was very active in the theater and wrote a number of songs that became extremely popular with the people. He continued to write poetry until the end of his life. Andrei Voznesensky passed away in Moscow on June 1, 2010 of complications from asthma and heart condition.