Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field’s poem "St. Petersburg, 1918" is a nostalgic and sorrowful reflection on the Russian Revolution and the ideals of the Soviet Union. By evoking a spring day in St. Petersburg shortly after the October Revolution, Field captures the spirit of hope and unity that once defined the early Soviet era, juxtaposed against the inevitable despair and disillusionment that followed.

The poem begins with a peaceful scene: “You were sitting on a grassy hummock / by the river as the children / played around you.” The “grassy hummock” and “lazily” flowing water evoke a sense of tranquility and idyllic simplicity. The arrival of spring, coupled with the presence of children playing, symbolizes renewal and new beginnings.

On the opposite bank, “young athletes leapt from heights, / lithe in the air, / practicing for the games.” This image of athletic grace and youthful exuberance embodies the optimism and energy that characterized the early revolutionary period. The athletes represent the promise of the new Soviet era, striving to build a utopia through collective effort and physical prowess.

The poem shifts focus to the relationship between the speaker and the unidentified "you," who may symbolize the speaker's mother, a comrade, or even the collective revolutionary spirit. “You said you wanted to burn all our money. / I knew it was not so much from idealism / as despair,” indicates that the desire to reject capitalism and material wealth is rooted in frustration and hopelessness rather than pure revolutionary zeal. The speaker tries to console the person by “hold[ing] you / and ask[ing] you not to,” revealing a tender and intimate relationship.

The scene takes place “before everything that happened. / The purges were still to come.” Here, Field acknowledges the brutal history that would soon unfold under Stalin, including widespread repression, forced labor camps, and political purges. The early days of the revolution were filled with optimism and a belief in the transformative power of socialism, but this idealism would later be shattered by the harsh realities of totalitarianism.

“How we believed in the revolution! / That was our youth,” the speaker reflects, highlighting how the idealism of the revolutionary period was intertwined with the speaker's own youthful innocence. The “foolish tears” that run down the speaker's face capture both a sense of regret for the idealism lost and the sorrow for what might have been.

The final lines, “My house of love / would never be so full,” suggest that the speaker's life was never as rich or meaningful as it was during those early days of the revolution. The “house of love” can be interpreted as a metaphor for the camaraderie, unity, and purpose that the speaker felt during that time.

In summary, "St. Petersburg, 1918" is a poignant and evocative meditation on the early days of the Russian Revolution and the ideals that once inspired millions. Edward Field juxtaposes the idyllic imagery of spring and youthful exuberance with the grim reality of what followed, creating a powerful commentary on idealism, disillusionment, and the enduring impact of historical events. The poem serves as a reminder of the dreams that were once so fervently believed in and the inevitable sorrow that comes with their unraveling.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...