- Old Lady from Paris, or Nightingale in Zarasai
- Published by: Alma littera
- Level: Intermediate
- First Published in: 1995
One of the most important poetry compilations by Lithuanian author Juozas Erlickas, a "living legend" in his own country.
In Lithuania, Juozas Erlickas is as well-known by youngsters as he is by older generations. Often called a “living legend” of Lithuanian satire, Erlickas is actively engaged in Lithuanian cultural life. He has appeared on television talk shows, has gone into singing, and even has a cafe named after him in Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital. Why is Erlickas generally so revered? Because, whether he is imitating pop lyrics or moving between satire and tragedy within a single poem or skit, he makes his readers laugh and cry, often leaving them in a state of mild shock due to his witty juxtapositions and brave social commentaries.
"Often called a “living legend” of Lithuanian satire, Juozas Erlickas is actively engaged in Lithuanian cultural life."
Known as a comedian, a prose writer, and a playwright, Erlickas likely remains best known and most valued for his poetry. Bobutė iš Paryžiaus, arba Lakštingala Zarasuose (Old Lady from Paris, or Nightingale in Zarasai), released in 1995, is one of his most important poetry compilations and is absolutely fascinating to analyze. In the poem “Liepos naktį...“ (July Night…), Erlickas is at his most sentimental. His style is one of subtly expressed tragedy and painful memory. Essentially, the narrator is dreaming – or thinking in a dream-like state – about his friend who passed away. Readers are slowly introduced to this tragic theme through small hints. Indeed, the narrator's old friend is first presented in the third stanza, and then only through a suggestive image: “Ties kuom palinksta siluetas, seniai išėjusio bičiulio?“ (What does the silhouette of a long passed-away buddy lean against?).
The verses continue, “Tokia naktis – kaip šiltas pienas! Gal išsimaudyki, drauguži?” (What a night – like warm milk! What about a swim, my friend?). The words “draugužis” and “bičiulis” mean “friend” or “buddy,” yet are incredibly strong. They are only used to refer to very dear friends and even sound a bit archaic, although they continue to be used among modern-day Lithuanians. The verses keep flowing and reach one of the most cathartic points in the poem, in which we learn when and how the friend died: “Tylėjo jis, bet išgirdau – Kaip rasos, - tylūs žodžiai krito: Štai upė ta, kur paskendau, Aš vieną gražų liepos rytą…” (He was silent, yet I heard how – like dew – his silent words dropped: This is the river where I drowned one early July morning…). These verses are certainly crucial to the reader’s understanding of what exactly the main character is dreaming about and why encountering his friend in a dream is as nice as it is saddening.
"In 1997, Erlickas was awarded the Lithuanian National Prize, which is one of the highest achievements for anyone involved in arts and culture in Lithuania."
The very last verses are extremely cathartic, as they include various similes and bring readers even closer to the point of tearing up. “Ir taip sunku širdy, lyg būtų Akmuo nuo pilko kauburėlio…” (And it feels so heavy in my heart, as if it were a stone on a tiny grey knoll). “Kauburėlis” is a rarely used word in Lithuanian, most often referring to a “grave” and not a “knoll.” It is a diminutive – “kauburys” being the main word – so it literally means “tiny pile of earth.” By using this term, the character refers to his friend’s grave in a rather lyrical way, once again beautifully expressing his longing for the times before that fateful July night.
In 1997, Erlickas was awarded the Lithuanian National Prize, which is one of the highest achievements for anyone involved in arts and culture in Lithuania. Considering his ability to jump from satire to poems as beautiful as “July Night…,” it is by no means surprising.
