Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Postcards from Soviet Cities: Yerevan" by John Updike vividly captures the historical and geographical essence of Yerevan, Armenia, intertwining its tragic past with a hopeful vision for its future. The poem reflects on Armenia’s resilience and its complex position as a borderland between Asia and the West.

Updike begins the poem by referring to Armenia as "Asia's waif," suggesting its vulnerability and long history of suffering, particularly from Turkish aggressions. The mention of "constructed shelter proof against all Turkish massacre" immediately grounds the poem in the context of Armenia's genocidal history and its enduring struggles for safety and recognition. This sets a somber tone, acknowledging the weight of historical trauma that shapes the nation’s identity.

The poem then shifts to a more constructive note, highlighting the use of "toof," a soft volcanic rock prevalent in Armenian architecture. This material is not only practical but symbolic, representing the malleability and resilience of the Armenian people. It is from this substance that Yerevan has built its boulevards, which metaphorically lead "from slums of history into a future stripped of swords." This imagery suggests a deliberate move away from a turbulent past towards a peaceful and prosperous future.

Updike describes Yerevan’s architecture further, noting a "hotel, pink and crescent-shaped," which overlooks a fountain. This scene is juxtaposed with the backdrop of "tan and sere" mountains, which are described as bearing "poles for power raped, affectionately, from Lake Sevan." This line captures the exploitation of natural resources, yet hints at a sort of reluctant necessity, perhaps alluding to Armenia's economic challenges and the complex relationship it has with its natural environment.

Mount Ararat, which looms large in Armenian national identity and mythology, is depicted as "a conscience, floats cloudlike, in sight but unpossessed." Ararat's presence is significant; although geographically close and deeply symbolic as the resting place of Noah's Ark, it remains just beyond Armenian control, lying within Turkish borders. This unattainability adds a layer of poignancy to the poem, symbolizing lost heritage and unresolved national grief.

The final line, "For here, where Noah docked his boat, begins the brutal, ancient West," powerfully situates Armenia at a cultural and historical crossroads. It evokes the biblical story of Noah, linking it to the broader narrative of Western civilization which, from Armenia’s perspective, is marked by brutality and conflict. This juxtaposition highlights Armenia's unique position at the edge of the Western world, both part of and apart from the historical and cultural developments that have shaped it.

Overall, "Postcards from Soviet Cities: Yerevan" by John Updike is a poignant reflection on Armenia's complex past and present, marked by resilience in the face of historical atrocities and a hopeful outlook towards a peaceful future. Through evocative imagery and thoughtful contrasts, Updike captures the essence of Yerevan and its significance within the Armenian psyche.

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