In May 1985, the Official Language School (EOI) in Alicante organised its End-of-Year Festival, and I recited Pushkin\u2019s \u201c\u041d\u044f\u043d\u0435\u201d (\u201cNianie\u201d: \u201cTo the Nanny\u201d) in Russian.<\/p>\n
Pushkin<\/a> (1799\u20131837) is perhaps the greatest figure in Russian literature. In 1826, he wrote this short, tender poem dedicated to the woman who had been his nanny, Arina Rodionova<\/a>, whose photograph is the featured image for this post.<\/p>\n Ever since then, this poem has stayed with me.<\/p>\n The English translation of this poem would be:<\/p>\n TO THE NANNY<\/strong><\/p>\n My companion through my harsh days, Beneath the window of your little room, You gaze through the forgotten gate <\/p>\n
\nMy frail little dove!
\nAlone in the depths of the pine forests,
\nYou have been waiting for me for so long, so long.<\/p>\n
\nYou grieve, it seems as time goes by,
\nAnd the needles move ever so slowly, minute by minute,
\nIn your wrinkled hands.<\/p>\n
\nAt the distant, dark road:
\nLonging, foreboding, and worry
\nConstantly weigh upon your breast.<\/p>\n