Holy Winter

Maria Stepanova published her book length poem, Holy Winter 20/21 (New Directions), translated into English by Sasha Dugdale.

Nick Hilden interviewed Maria on the publication for the Washington Post:

“Do you have advice for poets living through times of conflict?

Anna Akhmatova, the great Russian poet, had a second or third husband who was arrested in the ’30s and then once again in the ’40s, and eventually he died in the camp. But once when he was arrested, he hugged Akhmatova and told her, “Please, don’t lose your desperation.” For a few decades it was sort of a motto for generations of intellectuals that had to cope with the Soviet times. And it is important, but I think that now the situation is so desperate; desperation is the air we are breathing and the water we’re drinking. So I would say — and I’m wishing to myself as well — don’t lose your ability to feel joy. Whatever happens, while you’re still able to feel this pang of joy, you’re not done yet.”

Read more here.