Russia My Native Land

1. With the Sacred Gate I shall start my story, in fact so will be very much nostalgic
And is more correct, for that who with Vilnius has connected ideas,
Who from Adam Mickiewicz has gathered as in a source of water
Therefore we shall direct in that direction whence have brutally thrown ou.t

2. There are jokes malicious on this theme, speak: drove Poles earlier
On a doomsday on foot and in shackles, to Siberia, Sakhalin, to Kamchatka
Drove to Volga who is smaller was guilty, drove to Caucasus and to Kazakhstan
And though the measure compelled, fatherland began Russia for many.

3. Now people everywhere has woken up, want to know the history
Those that after reorganization have believed in freedom, the truth, publicity.
Have believed too that is freely possible to return to temples,
Many priests have wished, those that about the God to know did not know.

4. Temples in Ukraine, on Byelorussia, in Kazakhstan have opened,
Russia hesitates, nevertheless it is necessary, if the word is stated.
There is an Orthodox world evidently, magnificent bulbs everywhere.
There are minarets where, prayful houses meet also synagogues.

5. That a church to return in Russia, one hundred or more information it is necessary.
To Moscow trips to the big grades, or in court to submit
Speak a bribe the best way but who knows to whom to give.
To give you will start the end will not be, actually: whence to take.

6. People believers are rather poor and defenseless, it is strange what where have remained,
Children, deep atheists on a feat quite often agitated.
Happened too and confidential services have insisted, that a temple will return:
What for, we do not know. We know that the world should prove, that mother Russia is good.

7. And so all hardly work in Russia: the American Mormons, are Jehovah's,
There is to Hare Krishna, White Brotherhood, mister Moon, Aum Shinrikyo!
Only Catholics sleep... Orthodoxy sleeps, sleep Judea, the Moslem sleeps,
Only slowly among disputes, where a new temple will open.

8. Only sometimes from the country of poles someone will arrive to search for Poles.
Will allow to search too Germans, it is possible Caucasus people and "Balts".
Vatican hesitates to not break ecumenical dialogues.
There are two bishops in Russia, will be catholic priests which came.

9. Eventually will start us Catholics as other sects to observe.
There was a religion useless, nowadays it is useful: perhaps!
Have arrived from all light, there will be an entertainment for security officers.
And here thrown out I mension these games, a word one: ridiculously.

Byelorussia

1. The tilt cart modern, a two young priests dressed in cassocks carries,
Strange in fact in the summer nobody will risk to go in black.
Yes, it is strange in fact and it, that the tilt cart goes abroad.
All exists edge of secretaries general, though the ninetieth year.

2. I saw dogs among a prickle, sniffing from below all structure
And remembered that in the childhood saw military films with fear.
It seemed we go a brief way from Bialystok in city Grodno,
Nevertheless have crossed a threshold of other mentality.

3. That that you the enemy, without words clearly, among thousand questions,
What for in that way have taken a censer, a rosary and candles
And besides it is not possible to have rubles more than 34
But we carried likely one hundred, unless it is enough?

4. Custom man there was the friend, all superfluous having deleted with the list
Also has advised to be silent about a superfluous cargo
So I have understood that among enemies there are also confidential friends
In the country godless in which the God love but are silent.

5. Taxi drivers it is a lot of and all to carry willingly Poles suggest
Are necessary only money of any currency that in any city to get.
At us rubles was a little, though priests, but poor
Deacons becoming the last wait for the end of study, while a vacation.

6. That is why have on foot dared to go in the Episcopal house,
Towers have noticed beforehand when passed the control
Palace of the lord beyond Neman: on a chicken leg
All as in books Miss Lisa Orzeszko as if time has stopped.

7. Hot water in a samovar, the truth nowadays electric
Bishop operates as Robak: the Bernardine monk and the knight at the same time
His Army : volunteers from all Europe want to support, look,
Whether he can actually, a sparkle of belief again to light?

8. I too though was a shame to admit, such the gaper appeared.
Not here that was, Indura Arrival has entrusted to us the lord
That benefit to bring... Have fed with bacon, garlic and honey
Kunigas Zylis too has added Lithuanian "zeppelins".

9. It is a lot of mistresses on an apartment, the house protects Bernadetta
Is more spacious there lives Jesuit Zylis, rather than sisters and the lord.
There two have lodged deacon to read a doleful pray
Together with a mansion of organists conducted ceremonies very loudly.

10. Father Zylis always in a way, removes many events
As the church and as passes a ceremony of opening is consecrated.
Gniezno and Sand, Berestovica, Mogilyov, Homel, Minsk Cathedral.
Campaign truly of the Triumph, our leader without army but the winner.

11. Peter (the second deacon) all with the lord, I read the burial service on arrival
A little boringly, but I bear, knowing that evening will give grace
Children soiled, are dirty, at times in boots or barefoot
Safely come near a temple to be played " the Polish fire ".

12. That that was seen by me near Grodno that has gone through the seminarist
Has seen again again, at once having accepted a dignity sacred
The Pope to us in Poland spoke, about Ten Commandments very distinctly
And ecumenism grew up, having given Boleslava to us in "patron".

13. Had service in Volkovysk, in Indura, Plebanovtse
But incomparable the Sacred Gate, gave us taste of priesthood
And kind the mild chorus of people is, not enough, without a chaos
It was necessary to read Mickiewicz's books to read hundred times, time to see.

14. That time during Christmas time guys hunted
Near Grodno and Beloveza those that have divided the Soviet Country
As divided Poland absolutely during other time... Gorbachev the friend is a pity
?ltsine it is even better during that moment seem.

Biebrza

1. In the meantime I studied art of arts: priesthood!
The most interesting place Dolistowo the Native land of father Semenenko
Here my destinies were left with Adam and much I thought of it
And even more worked as all priests in remote places.

2. The roof was painted also with crosses, the sobriety was learned in village Zabiele
In Moniuszki lived noble people and in Wrocen on neighbor's
Mikicin drinks, is dissolved and strangers collective-farm
Well simple people to see houses in Christmas time and in New year.

3. On villages wandered on the bicycle, or car by turns
Gave me radio and a shelf, 10 prayful benches
Have asked me once when I shall conduct to Russia furniture,
But I laughed at soul, in fact all mine I took in a bag.

4. I very much waited for that moment when will allow me to leave
Also I filled up a waiting time trips to Lithuania,
Also daddies, mums, what for to children these trips were surprised
But in fact was revisit in the spring, there have arrived to us too children.

5. It was pleasant to look, as after falling of Empire,
Arrivals, that behind a boundary but on neighbor's could meet
Lived so long in Zabiele, Wrocen, Moniuszki
And even dispute has arisen is great, to whom to give children on spending the night!

6. From Szalczininkai there was a group and I have noticed as touchingly
One centenary sister, it is short before death
Has met the grand daughter Lithuanian student in Dolistowo
Name of that grand daughter Miss Bucko, a name of the sister I do not remember.

ROSTOV

1. The destiny far, and ours bishop any more in Grodno has thrown me,
Year of ninety second and we meet in Rostov
People here a heap as in Warsaw but believers a little bit,
Three churches are at Orthodox, at us only wishes.

2. Azov or ?ksay that is red (it seems on Turkish)
Name Azak, prince Tatar, used the leader of the Horde Gold
Bataysk a bog, Elista sand on Mongolic, Don - water
In ossetic adverb Tanais - Tana, death on Greek language.

3. These names were repeated by me: Czaltyr, Armawir and Kagalnitskaya
That with Armenian, something from Khazar - language of Karaims
Nakhichevan, unless it is not beautiful (the Armenian part of Rostov)
It is necessary to stay even month, the God has prepared for seven years to me.

4. I also have told probably: all these years are thin
But nowadays I do not know: so much events, papers will not suffice.
I shall tell better as I have arrived, to look the arrival
And as I and as fasting knowing that I shall not consult cried.

5. And Mother of God the Rosa Mistica, it is strict on it has looked and tears disappear,
When with Her a sight have met, my eyes. I lived if only as,
With Africans, it is the first parishioners: Angola, Mozambique,
Tanzania, Cameroon willingly with each other met.

6. And so French and English were useful in work,
When to us it was cheerful, sang on Portugal.
Missionaries are not necessary for us, is strict in Moscow us condemn
And I in Rostov was such, a divine atmosphere.

North - Caucasian district

1. It not steppe Akermanskaja though to present it is possible easily,
Enough to go only to Kalmykia or in halfway to visit Salsk
And to go it is necessary, in fact in Rostov one year of all worked,
Nowadays the remote places wait for me and I am glad to very that work.

2. When we shall gather together silt better in ten there already arrival it is possible to create
So under the law and to live I try foolish instructions to know.
The foreigner I also will not allow to go freely without the reason,
Therefore I study all that concerns Russian Catholics.

3. Taganrog, Bataysk, Novocherkassk, for Poland cities very big
For me it is villages because it is difficult to have here Holly Mass and parishioners.
Hut, in it earlier addicts, as people speak a brothel
Here the priest to sisters house similar will lodge will be.

4. To Rostov has got about. Edward, too a bear Lithuanian, strong
When have noticed us together, officials from laughter died,
Two types of extreme dimensions " Paul and Gavel ", in same city;
I lived behind the river, on that distance we did not prevent each other.

5. But when a trouble I found him quickly and he urgently helped me
Russia is a pity that both not in love mother and in same time has thrown out!!!
It is a pity that there are no there sisters on whom we argued frequently
Where as him to work in Rostov or on villages to wander

6. Water on a crossroads, with a bucket the best among night
In day it is impossible to gather, pipes are narrow also ancient
Repair of a chapel in Bataysk, repair in Azov, in Taganrog
"Chapel" in Leningrad modest and years fly, will not catch up.

7. Pursuing from the end to the end, train or bus
After years of four I have decided: will suffice! The machine to buy it would be time!
When I was happier, now I do not know. Lovely in alive to remain
First Cossacks frightened, now the machine: my assistant.

8. Russia my Mother you, has learned you in breadth and lengthways
Show to me your beauty, what you truly?
Speak that you it is impossible, mind to understand but only heart
And heart in fact not Moscow and not northern capital.

9. In St. Petersburg Mickiewicz was, there he has learned Decembrists,
Has then visited the Crimean steppe as it is grateful to you My God,
That without compulsion I there have got, only for idea, curiosity
Has learned Moscow during that moment when on monuments Crosses were

10. I have gone through also that moment when the Seminary was born
When struggled for a church on Small Georgian and other events,
Those days wandered across Europe, to search for sponsors for dreams
And though was tired nevertheless it is happy: wandering gives a fruit.

11. The black fog approached also a song brief only a refrain:
That Catholics proselytes, also that from Russia it is necessary to drive.
But ?ltsine old all the country of rules, and this shout braked
The Pope he corresponded with him read and esteemed pontific.

Siberia.

1. And here I suddenly, that have thought up heart of Russia in Siberia
There a climate heavy - people kind, go do not hesitate, happy you will be
So spoke me Rostov people and heart suddenly rose
Year already ninety eighth there new Bishop: Jerzy Mazur!

2. I was, have seen, have won, though have rubred a nose, have upholstered a muzzle.
The stake, not failure but the brother orthodox John-Ignatius Terrible
Having seen me on TV on the Kamchatka ground
Sight cold has embraced, heart has wounded and has given to Moscow the report!

3. About that that Jaroslaw pulls people, torments by own speeches,
Both on a TV set and on radio and from pages of press acts.
Here proselytism, it is a lot of! They everywhere carry leaflets!
And everyone bear(carry), that Sacred Russia not an orthodox christening christened


4. Yes yes in Kiev began, long before rather than prince Jaroslaw
Wise in fact has died that year when Greeks have divided(shared) uniform church
And I with myself all over the world drive this name involuntarily
And when do not allow to work, I sit also long verses I write.

5. About that as bishop, that Irkutsk living in the street Volga
Has opened to me an iron gate of the apartment on a floor the fifth.
I from Rostov 5 hours flied, was early morning
In Rostov 12 nights and to sleep at all hunting.

6. There was a November in Usolye, have honored Patron day
The Mass was in one office 20 person the bus has brought
Bishop never mind tired, (he itself sat as driver)
Double in fact I the sermon should speak honor.

7. Like well I would speak, but it is silent (it is secret of belief)
As such silent the priest, has decided to be the missionary,
Bishop gave thanks but has told in an emphasis: to work it is necessary above itself
The big knowledge you have, but anybody will not know! Speak with power.

8. Earlier in Saratov, I have learned(have found out), that Kamchatka waits
Bishop has confirmed but has added: Sakhalin, Khabarovsk
There you will lodge (to the sick priest it is necessary to help)
Has then increased both Chita and these bewitched words,

9. I repeat in the prays, in fact that heart remained
There Decembrists have left bones together with many Poles
There Dostoevsky observed with hate Poles with a rage
Also has not forgiven from never... Will suffice to esteem his(its) books.

10. There Mickiewicz's friends on foot went and Pilsudski a teeth has lost,
There his senior brother Bronislav of natives studied.
There Sir Dybowski has found out in Darsun medical waters
There leader Beniowski suffered too, but has created the ship and has got away.

11. Russia, my native land, a quarter of my life has taken you,
There was no my love mutual, likely I have not deserved.
Today in small flat in Japan at priest Edward
I sit and observe suddenly: Japan - fine city Kawasaki!

Japan

1. Populously as in Rostov, or in Warsaw but streets already.
And houses is more modest though are rich, once lived here poor people
The chapel too seems small as in Bataysk and to people a little
Nevertheless to count does not cost, we wait patiently giving the certificate.

2. Japan Shinto, Buddhist Japan, has accepted me with sympathy
Such missionary the orphan, not the colonizer proud is probably necessary for them
Father Edward my owner says Jesus, when in a way
It is dared loudly and forces to laugh silent Japanese.

3. Here it(he) asked me to write, that remained on a paper,
And at the same time from the newspaper the similar request from Czestokhova
Can I shall try in baby way: fantastically and simply
Let fellow countrymen learn(find out) the reason: because of what drive from Russia.

Epilogue

Though pretexts 5 or 50, all of them not crimes
That that the person the poet was born, and that him(it) was all seminary
To live creatively it is more important than to eat bread,
So too organists speak and prefer to sing, in fact who sings
That already three times up to it is full ate.
Also I shall tell about my brothers, two Yankee from Khabarovsk
That them have thrown out with hate in white gloves
And now pray brotherhood of the sister, for me the orphan - talker
That for all these rhymes has not been thrown out from Japan

Father Jaroslaw Wisniewski, Kawasaki, Japan
October 2002