Post by eahutch38 on May 21, 2012 16:08:35 GMT -5
Born in Minsk, Belarus 1981, Valzhyna Mort entered a world filled with post-Soviet Union turmoil, as if she had “crawl[ed] from the ruins after a bombing”. Her Belarusian heritage has been highly influential in the you poet's life, which is exemplified in her vivid descriptions of the difficult and strenuous life of Belarus; where many of the harsh practices of the Soviet Union were still being used in society. Although English was taught in her formal schooling, Valzhyna Mort never lost sight of the importance of the Belarusian language. Resulting from Mort’s love for her culture and language was her first book of poetry, I’m As Thin As Your Eyelashes, which was written in solely Belarusian. In doing so, Mort hoped to revitalize the language and “to establish a clear identity for Belarus” ("Valzyhna Mort").
Despite Valzhyna Mort’s infatuation with the Belarusian culture, in 2005 she decided to move to the United States. Being so absorbed in her Belarusian culture it is unlikely that she was unaware of the political controversies of her homeland during the time of her immigration. In 2005 not only did President Lukashenka announce that he would be altering the laws so that he would be allowed to hold office a third term, but the United States Congress also passed the Belarus Democracy Act.
Reflecting her presence in the United States and newly established diplomacy between the United States and Belarus, Valzhyna Mort published her second book of poetry in 2008, The Factory of Tears. By including both Belarusian and English translations Mort successfully demonstrates the fusion of the two cultures. “On a Steamer” is an example of one of her poems that reveals her first impressions of city life in the United States; which she describes to be similar to an “upside down Christmas tree”.
The Factory of Tears, being her American debut, jump started her career while validating her presence as an "international poetry star" (Irish Times). Her graphic and abrupt style of her poetry reminds the reader that life and dreams are not always ideal or realistic. That the stereotypical American dream of “white stone houses scattered along the ocean shore/ like eggs of gigantic water birds” does not always hatch and fly into the lives of average people. Mort uses vivid imagery to explain to readers from all walks of life that although some dreams may be unattainable that does not give the right for readers to live a meaningless life. Furthermore, Mort clarifies to readers how “it’s not your life that teaches you- it’s you who gives your/ life a lesson. To be yourself. To give yourself to the end." Growing up in a downtrodden nation, her move to the capitalistic society of America was shocking. Ultimately, through her poetry she expresses how lucky the American people are to have an united and successful nation that fosters achieving their dreams.
Currently teaching in the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts program at the University of Baltimore, Mort is able to influence fellow writers to “fight the summer heat the winter snow/... [in order to discover that they] are the language”. Having received a Crystal Vilencia Award for best poetry performance, a Guade Polonia scholarship from Poland, and a writing fellowship from Literarisches Colloquium Berlin, Germany, Mort is an perfect teacher for the hopeful students. Still performing her poetry to audiences, Mort continues to assert Belarus’ presence in today’s society. It is now my honor to welcome Valzhyna Mort to the stage, lets all give her a warm welcome.
Words: 587
Despite Valzhyna Mort’s infatuation with the Belarusian culture, in 2005 she decided to move to the United States. Being so absorbed in her Belarusian culture it is unlikely that she was unaware of the political controversies of her homeland during the time of her immigration. In 2005 not only did President Lukashenka announce that he would be altering the laws so that he would be allowed to hold office a third term, but the United States Congress also passed the Belarus Democracy Act.
Reflecting her presence in the United States and newly established diplomacy between the United States and Belarus, Valzhyna Mort published her second book of poetry in 2008, The Factory of Tears. By including both Belarusian and English translations Mort successfully demonstrates the fusion of the two cultures. “On a Steamer” is an example of one of her poems that reveals her first impressions of city life in the United States; which she describes to be similar to an “upside down Christmas tree”.
The Factory of Tears, being her American debut, jump started her career while validating her presence as an "international poetry star" (Irish Times). Her graphic and abrupt style of her poetry reminds the reader that life and dreams are not always ideal or realistic. That the stereotypical American dream of “white stone houses scattered along the ocean shore/ like eggs of gigantic water birds” does not always hatch and fly into the lives of average people. Mort uses vivid imagery to explain to readers from all walks of life that although some dreams may be unattainable that does not give the right for readers to live a meaningless life. Furthermore, Mort clarifies to readers how “it’s not your life that teaches you- it’s you who gives your/ life a lesson. To be yourself. To give yourself to the end." Growing up in a downtrodden nation, her move to the capitalistic society of America was shocking. Ultimately, through her poetry she expresses how lucky the American people are to have an united and successful nation that fosters achieving their dreams.
Currently teaching in the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts program at the University of Baltimore, Mort is able to influence fellow writers to “fight the summer heat the winter snow/... [in order to discover that they] are the language”. Having received a Crystal Vilencia Award for best poetry performance, a Guade Polonia scholarship from Poland, and a writing fellowship from Literarisches Colloquium Berlin, Germany, Mort is an perfect teacher for the hopeful students. Still performing her poetry to audiences, Mort continues to assert Belarus’ presence in today’s society. It is now my honor to welcome Valzhyna Mort to the stage, lets all give her a warm welcome.
Words: 587