Idol Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: ABCD DEFG HIJK LMNF OPQR HSGG TIUV WXYF ZDown in the pine needles | A |
in the snowstorm stogged ravine | B |
an Evenki idol stands | C |
fixing his eyes on the taiga | D |
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Aggressively squinting | D |
he watched until the time came | E |
when Evenki women started | F |
hauling presents to him | G |
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They brought him mukluks and parkas | H |
they brought him honey and fur | I |
figuring that he'd pray | J |
but mainly think for them all | K |
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In the dark assurance | L |
that he'd understand | M |
they'd smear his mouth | N |
with warm deer blood | F |
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But what could he do the phony | O |
little god | P |
with his fierce wooden | Q |
whittled down soul | R |
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Now he's looking through the branches | H |
abandoned and dead | S |
No one believes in him | G |
no one prays to him | G |
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Did I just dream this up At night | T |
in his ravine far off yonder | I |
he sets his eyes | U |
on fire overgrown with moss | V |
- | |
And listening to the snowstorm | W |
blast down licks | X |
his lips Lord I know it | Y |
He wants blood | F |
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Translated by James Dickey with Anthony Kahn | Z |
Yevgeny Yevtushenko
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Poem topics: , Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme
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