Poetry That Never Grows Old: Sergei Yesenin’s Birthday
Today, October 3, we remember one of the most beloved Russian poets, Sergei Yesenin. For more than a century, his poems have continued to find their way into the hearts of readers of different generations. The world changes, countries and habits change, yet Yesenin’s lines about nature, homeland, love, and deep emotions still sound remarkably sincere and relevant.
It is especially heartwarming to see that Yesenin’s poetry continues to live far beyond Russia, including here in Canada.
Recently, a Canada-wide recitation contest dedicated to the works of Sergei Yesenin was held in our country. Students from many Russian-language schools in different Canadian cities took part. For the children, it became more than just a competition. It was an opportunity to discover great poetry, to feel its rhythm, mood, and the beauty of the Russian language.
The young participants recited Yesenin’s poems with remarkable sincerity. Each of them conveyed the mood of the work in their own way, found their own intonation, and brought personal emotion to familiar lines. Listening to the children, one realizes once again that true poetry does not belong only to its own time. It continues to live as long as people read it, feel it, and pass it on to future generations.
On the Nasha Ottawa website, you can once again watch the performances of the contest participants and vote for the young reciters whose readings touched you the most.
Perhaps for some of these children, discovering Yesenin will become the first step into the great world of literature. And perhaps the spark lit by his poetry will one day grow into a poetic talent of their own.
This is how poetry continues to live — from heart to heart, from generation to generation.