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Time flies irrepressibly. There is nothing original in this
statement. But it is exactly how I feel now as I write an
introduction for Leonid Soroka’s new volume of poems, Galilee
Circle.
Seven years ago, I felt the same way when I was honored to
write the introduction to his third book, Behind the Weeping
Wall (1995), his first volume published in the United States.
Two earlier volumes were published only in the U.S.S.R.
In 1991, Leonid Soroka left the Ukraine, the country where he
grew up, and where he became a well respected poet. It was there
that his poetry was praised, and prized, and he was regularly
published in «Youth,» one of the most popular and leading
magazines.
But in Galilee Circle, we walk with a different poet. Here we
listen to a man who tells us about the new realities of his life
and his under standing of each. We see the new image he has of
himself and the integration of his national and human
identification. Soroka, like others before him, underwent a
cultural shock briefly, falling from the foundation of his own
linguistic and cultural environment. But as a creator of images
and worlds, he emerged from his fall as though in a flash, into
a bright new world with wondrous insights into life.
Illustrations by Michael Gleizer (c),
book Galilee Circle, 2002
Although Behind the Weeping Wall received much critical
praise, a long, seven year silence followed its publication. Now
the silence is broken. The questions are answered. A new and
wonderful work is ready. Eternal themes grasping the meaning of
time and self — take a different path in this book. Soroka’s
intonations have become quieter, the sharpness of time running
out has become deeper, and his poetic language aphoristically
precise. What is left for our pleasure is the inevitable irony
and self irony of Soroka.
Leonid Soroka and I meet periodically during my visits to
Israel and his visits to the U.S. There is an ongoing dialogue
between us. I am interested in everything he creates, but I know
he will not accept flattery or words of a fanciful nature. So
there is but one wish have for this book, as I would wish for an
acquaintance going on a long trip — May it have many friends on
its way!
Zev MARKOWITS,
Director, Chassidic Art Institute
2002 |
