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Clay's Trust. Poetry of Alexander Kushnirtranslated

September 14, 2026 · 1 min read

Pavel Kryuchkov

Deputy Chief Editor and Head of the Poetry Department at the journal "Novyi Mir."

A Jubilee selection from the poetry of the beloved poet of several generations in St. Petersburg, a classic of literature, is composed of poems from his recent book "To an Unknown Friend."

And another one — on the threat to the very existence of true poetry — from the latest issue of "Novyi Mir."

Before you begin acquainting yourself with Alexander Kushnir's new verses, I would like to offer a small piece of advice: do not rush through the lines; find your time for reading. We have noticed that the mastery of this lyricist unfolds gradually and step by step. I confess, I envy your first impression, but returning to Kushnir's poetry brings special delight. Following his unique intonation and musical line, gazing into this exquisite painting, and pondering the meaning behind the author's words, a responsive soul is stirred again and again.

"Strofy" — a joint project of the journals "Foma" and "Novyi Mir" on the poetry of poets from the 20th to the 21st centuries. The project author: Pavel Kryuchkov.

Strofy. Alphabetical Poetic Index

As rustling leaves on trees and bushes, which now (let us recall the apostolic words) —…

Source: Журнал ФОМА · Read the full story →

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Ирина Воробьёва

Thank you, Pavel, for the selection. I especially liked how Kushner writes about “the threat of the death of real poetry” - this is right to the point, now many poems have become like noise, and not like the rustling of leaves. I will read it slowly, as advised, in the evening with tea after I put Masha to bed.