In Honour of Alexei Navalny
Russia's Martyr56 total reviews
Comment from Dimzdale1
Beautifully stated, the way you incorporate true life, and not fantasy, into your artistry is inspiring. I learned more from this than from social media here in the States. Thank you for sharing your gift.
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2024
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Beautifully stated, the way you incorporate true life, and not fantasy, into your artistry is inspiring. I learned more from this than from social media here in the States. Thank you for sharing your gift.
Comment Written 24-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 24-Mar-2024
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Thank you so much for this wonderful review! I'm honoured by your comments and absolutely delighted that the verse gave you some insight into this amazingly heroic individual. This means a lot to me. Take care Debbie
Comment from BermyBye50
Debbie,
Congrats on winning the Poem of the Month contest. You are a highly skilled and talented write and poet. Your masterfully written stories and poems are always captivating, thought provoking and real. It begs the question: Are you a published author? Or are you in the process of publishing your first book or novel? Or is writing a hobby only?
You are clearly one of the best writers here on Fanstory and you've helped me tremendously with your thoughtful and helpful reviews and critiques of my writing and poetry. I value and highly appreciate your feedback and wish you the best in your future writing endeavors.
All the best,
Eugene
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Debbie,
Congrats on winning the Poem of the Month contest. You are a highly skilled and talented write and poet. Your masterfully written stories and poems are always captivating, thought provoking and real. It begs the question: Are you a published author? Or are you in the process of publishing your first book or novel? Or is writing a hobby only?
You are clearly one of the best writers here on Fanstory and you've helped me tremendously with your thoughtful and helpful reviews and critiques of my writing and poetry. I value and highly appreciate your feedback and wish you the best in your future writing endeavors.
All the best,
Eugene
Comment Written 09-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 09-Mar-2024
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Dear Eugene, thank you so much for this highly treasured review! Your lovely comments are so kind and it's an honour to receive them. No publishing, maybe one day. To be honest, I'm so busy on this site that I haven't got the time to think of anything much more than reviewing and getting my weekly post out. But receiving such a wonderful review from yourself makes it all absolutely worthwhile. Thank you very much! Take care Debbie
Comment from Ric Myworld
It's not often that someone is willing to stand up for what is right at the expense of their own lives. But Alexei Navalny was a giant among men. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your contest winner!
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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It's not often that someone is willing to stand up for what is right at the expense of their own lives. But Alexei Navalny was a giant among men. Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your contest winner!
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 08-Mar-2024
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He was truly beautiful! I just hope his life won't be in vain and momentum can be maintained. Apparently, given everything he endured, he still retained the capacity to laugh. Thank you so much, Ric, for your kind review and congrats! Much appreciated. Debbie
Comment from RJ Fuller
This is absolutely superb! The descriptions of the stanza add so much more history to your words. What a resilient soul he was. Congratulations on your win! Well deserved!!!
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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This is absolutely superb! The descriptions of the stanza add so much more history to your words. What a resilient soul he was. Congratulations on your win! Well deserved!!!
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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You are so kind to me! Thank you so much! I'm absolutely delighted the verse meant something to you. I just thought he was a beautiful man and, although it was always on the cards, I still felt desperately sad when he was murdered. His widow said that, despite all he was put through during those last 3 years, in particular, he always made her laugh. He was Putin's nemesis and I just pray that there won't now be a vacuum with his mission in vain. Many thanks, Debbie
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I feel terrible for his widow. Such a difficult thing it must be for her. Yet she is so wholeheartedly proud of her husband, too. Such a loss for such a strong cause.
Comment from Contests
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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 A seven star rating from the Contest Committee for the recognition this post has received from the FanStory community. While this was not a Contest Committee decision, the committee recognizes this achievement with a seven star review. |
Comment Written 07-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 07-Mar-2024
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Thank you very much for this award which I appreciate!
Comment from rama devi
Wow. What an awesome tribute to an inspiring hero. Excellent references, and thanks for your author's notes too. Excellent meter, rhyme and phonic devices. This is an important poem. Well presented too.
Favorite stanza:
Despite it all, courageously, he kept his voice alive,
mid monstrous acts to quell his truth, he battled fate with drive.
He knew he'd never be released 'til Putin's reign was gone,
confined within his solitude, his fortitude fought on.
AND THIS ONE TOO:
And now in death, a martyr, with a message ever clear
to stand against elitist rule that stultifies with fear.
When liberty must rule supreme, let nothing then assuage -
"Stone walls do not a prison make nor iron bars a cage."
Powerful closing. Powerful opening too! His life is his message, and it's potent.
Great rhymes, especially:
But, when his threat became too rife, the world would be in shock
for killers nearly took his life with deadly Novichok.
I have a few optional punctuation suggestions for an even smoother read (and for grammar and dramatic effect) for your consideration:
A charismatic heavyweight(,) who fought against the state,
But, when his threat became too rife, the world would be in shock(,)
He guessed the risk but wouldn't sway from going, come what may,(;)
and true to Putin's evil ways, was captured straightaway.
His cross to bear was Stalinesque, injustice to the core(, or -- or ;)
and prison was his penalty, more torture still in store.
Despite it all, courageously, he kept his voice alive,(; or .)
mid monstrous acts to quell his truth, he battled fate with drive.
He knew he'd never be released 'til Putin's reign was gone,(; or .)
confined within his solitude, his fortitude fought on.
For shackles wouldn't tame this soul, his fearlessness was key.
He told his people(,) "Follow me(,) and you too will be free."
Refusing to be broken down, he'd forcefully insist:
"Fear not for me(,) for I have will,(;) it's you who must resist."
Really powerful and memorable poem!
Bravo.
Warmly,
rd
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2024
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Wow. What an awesome tribute to an inspiring hero. Excellent references, and thanks for your author's notes too. Excellent meter, rhyme and phonic devices. This is an important poem. Well presented too.
Favorite stanza:
Despite it all, courageously, he kept his voice alive,
mid monstrous acts to quell his truth, he battled fate with drive.
He knew he'd never be released 'til Putin's reign was gone,
confined within his solitude, his fortitude fought on.
AND THIS ONE TOO:
And now in death, a martyr, with a message ever clear
to stand against elitist rule that stultifies with fear.
When liberty must rule supreme, let nothing then assuage -
"Stone walls do not a prison make nor iron bars a cage."
Powerful closing. Powerful opening too! His life is his message, and it's potent.
Great rhymes, especially:
But, when his threat became too rife, the world would be in shock
for killers nearly took his life with deadly Novichok.
I have a few optional punctuation suggestions for an even smoother read (and for grammar and dramatic effect) for your consideration:
A charismatic heavyweight(,) who fought against the state,
But, when his threat became too rife, the world would be in shock(,)
He guessed the risk but wouldn't sway from going, come what may,(;)
and true to Putin's evil ways, was captured straightaway.
His cross to bear was Stalinesque, injustice to the core(, or -- or ;)
and prison was his penalty, more torture still in store.
Despite it all, courageously, he kept his voice alive,(; or .)
mid monstrous acts to quell his truth, he battled fate with drive.
He knew he'd never be released 'til Putin's reign was gone,(; or .)
confined within his solitude, his fortitude fought on.
For shackles wouldn't tame this soul, his fearlessness was key.
He told his people(,) "Follow me(,) and you too will be free."
Refusing to be broken down, he'd forcefully insist:
"Fear not for me(,) for I have will,(;) it's you who must resist."
Really powerful and memorable poem!
Bravo.
Warmly,
rd
Comment Written 02-Mar-2024
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2024
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Thank you so much, Rama, for this wonderful review which I treasure from you! I've cut and pasted your suggestions so will be correcting as appropriate. Any suggestion like this is always gratefully received. Take care Debbie
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Thanks for your super gracious response, dear. Nice to see you posting. I've been highly inactive here lately. Great work!
Comment from Dawn Munro
"And now in death, a martyr, with a message ever clear
to stand against elitist rule that stultifies with fear.
When liberty must rule supreme, let nothing then assuage -
"Stone walls do not a prison make nor iron bars a cage."
I do not have words.
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2024
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"And now in death, a martyr, with a message ever clear
to stand against elitist rule that stultifies with fear.
When liberty must rule supreme, let nothing then assuage -
"Stone walls do not a prison make nor iron bars a cage."
I do not have words.
Comment Written 24-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2024
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Thank you so much for this extra kind review, Deborah, and I'm so sorry it earns you so little. I greatly appreciate your generous support. Take care Debbie
Comment from bob cullen
Brilliant does not near describe the quality of this write. Every word of this poem speaks of the evil of those behind his death. In time, perhaps the truth will be revealed. Debbie, you have excelled yourself in this piece. It deserves to be so widely read.
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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Brilliant does not near describe the quality of this write. Every word of this poem speaks of the evil of those behind his death. In time, perhaps the truth will be revealed. Debbie, you have excelled yourself in this piece. It deserves to be so widely read.
Comment Written 21-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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Bob, thank you so much for this wonderful review which I absolutely treasure! We're all so devastated by this immensely courageous and honourable man who fought so hard and came closer in his lifetime than anyone else to bring sanity and principle back to Russia. I just pray that the psychopath has yet to suffer in hell on earth from N's unfinished campaign! Death is too good for him! Thanks again. Take care Debbie
Comment from Gloria ....
Navalny paid for his courage with his life because Putin doesn't care who he has to kill to ensure that he continues sitting in the Kremlin.
The White House will unveil major sanctions in response to Navalny's death this Friday with a clear warning to Putin that his acts have consequences. Problem is Putin gets support from the Oligarchs when sanctions are imposed, and it is the general population who suffer the most. When people are struggling to put food on the table it is very difficult to organize opposition.
There have been discussions about seizing the $350 billion in Russian reserves that have been frozen by western governments to pay for Ukraine's reconstruction. We shall see if that is part of the White House sanctions.
This is a well written tribute to Navalny who fought for freedom in excruciating physical and emotional circumstances. It was a death sentence to return to Russia, but I can understand his need to be in his beloved homeland.
I fear that there won't be an economic restructuring and truly democratic elections in Russia until Putin's passing and maybe not even then. He doesn't strike me as the kind of man who would groom a successor as he is far too narcissistic for that.
While this is a tragic theme, it is a timely and much needed post, Debbie. Thank you for sharing.
Gloria
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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Navalny paid for his courage with his life because Putin doesn't care who he has to kill to ensure that he continues sitting in the Kremlin.
The White House will unveil major sanctions in response to Navalny's death this Friday with a clear warning to Putin that his acts have consequences. Problem is Putin gets support from the Oligarchs when sanctions are imposed, and it is the general population who suffer the most. When people are struggling to put food on the table it is very difficult to organize opposition.
There have been discussions about seizing the $350 billion in Russian reserves that have been frozen by western governments to pay for Ukraine's reconstruction. We shall see if that is part of the White House sanctions.
This is a well written tribute to Navalny who fought for freedom in excruciating physical and emotional circumstances. It was a death sentence to return to Russia, but I can understand his need to be in his beloved homeland.
I fear that there won't be an economic restructuring and truly democratic elections in Russia until Putin's passing and maybe not even then. He doesn't strike me as the kind of man who would groom a successor as he is far too narcissistic for that.
While this is a tragic theme, it is a timely and much needed post, Debbie. Thank you for sharing.
Gloria
Comment Written 21-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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Thank you so much, Gloria, for this extra kind and thoughtful review which means so much from you! I'm very glad you understand why he returned to his homeland. Many don't. But, to him (when you're that committed and heroic), fighting within (with your people) is more important than fighting from the outside. It's amazing that, although he was in prison and under evil control, he still constituted P's greatest threat! It can only be hoped that the flame will be kept alight (even weakly) by his equally courageous wife and mass following. But I agree with you, the genie is out of the bottle and insanity rules. Thanks again. Take care Debbie
Comment from Teri7
I hate when people that try to fight for the right end up dead for no reason. This is a really good piece you have written about this young man that should not have been killed. Thank you for the you tube also. love and blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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I hate when people that try to fight for the right end up dead for no reason. This is a really good piece you have written about this young man that should not have been killed. Thank you for the you tube also. love and blessings, Teri
Comment Written 20-Feb-2024
reply by the author on 21-Feb-2024
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I agree with you, Teri! I was so devastated when I heard because he represented everything good and principled in a country that is falling apart through repression and corruption. I just pray that his memory will not be erased as in the visual. He deserves to be heralded for the incredible achievement he's made and hopefully his wife and mass following will keep the flame alight. Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! Take care Debbie
