Irina Ratushinskaya: And for the cry from the well

Irina Ratushinskaya is a Russian poet. In 1983 she was sentenced to seven years in a Soviet labour camp. The charge against her related to political agitation. Her supposed crime had to do with publishing unauthorised literature. 

Ratushinskaya wrote the following poem while incarcarated. During her incarcaration she was forbidden to write poetry. As such she was forced to write covertly on cigarette papers, bars of soap and other items.

 

And for the cry from the well of "mama!"
and for the cross knocked from the cathedral,
and for your lie of "telegram!"
when it's an order for arrest--
I will dream of you, Russia!
In the curse of your triumphs,
the anguish of your impotence,
in the nausea of your hangover-
Why is it fear breaks through?
All is lamented, all laid to rest-
Who is it that makes you suddenly flinch?
Though you deny it, take refuge in illusion,
and lay blame on those who have been killed.
I will still come and stand before you

and look into your eyes. 

Irina Ratushinskaya - 5th July 1984