Batuschka

by Thomas Bailey Aldrich — a poem card from Justes Mots

Aldrich critiques the Russian Tsar through the repeated irony of church bells chiming 'God save the Tsar' while political prisoners suffer in dungeons below his palace. The poem's title, Batuschka (Little Father), underscores the bitter contrast between familial affection and authoritarian cruelty. It speaks to those moved by witness to injustice and the hope that oppression eventually yields to righteous uprising.

From yonder gilded minaret
Beside the steel-blue Neva set,
I faintly catch, from time to time,
The sweet, aerial midnight chime--
"God save the Tsar!"

Above the ravelins and the moats
Of the white citadel it floats;…

Themes: encouragement · graduation · new-chapter · recovery