Mind Over Matter. 72 assorted poems in English by a Russian

So let me talk to you in your own tongue.

I’ve been living here for many a year
Couldn’t help looking here at many a thing
Seen many a foreigner in and to this country
Foreigners by passport and foreigners convinced
Strangers changing attitudes by seconds
Strangers largely to themselves
Many a madman have I seen too
Many who died to know what to do
Many a bright head locked in a madhouse
Many a sage man, many obtuse
Many a small man saying Russia is great
Many in love with it, many in hate
Many who added they can’t understand it
Many explaining: ‘Russia’s just vast’
Some say that Russia has always been still
Others remark it has always been ill;
Many believe it’s a land of confusion
Many assert it is all an illusion
Historians say that Russia is old
Weather men say that Russia is cold
East and West say that Russians are hot