Natalia Stepanova and the Symbolism of the Goose: A Spiritual Journey in Verse

The goose, a symbol of transition and renewal, emerges in the collection as a bridge between the sacred and daily life. Through imagery rich with meaning, Stepanova constructs a poetic world that celebrates the connection to nature and the sanctity of spiritual roots, inviting reflection on humanity's detachment from the transcendent.

One of the most poignant moments of the collection is embodied in the poem Bitter People, which critiques modern man’s alienation in urban life:

"And the flowers sleep under the snow.

But to men (bitter people

of the great cities: bodies

four walls, fear of death)

other men, mere semblances,

who believed themselves to be gods,

said they were

creators of bodies, of winds,

and of rains, and they foretold

the end of the world,

and showed death,

and the bitter people were afraid.”

These verses evoke a profound existential unease, where the “bitter people” are trapped in an artificial life, far from nature and spirituality. The earth, on the other hand, becomes a refuge and nurturing mother, a symbol of rebirth and hope. The snow covering the flowers suggests not only winter but also spiritual protection, a prelude to a new spring for the soul.

Natalia A. Stepanova’s writing, dense with metaphor and lyricism, traverses themes of memory, tradition, and social critique. The Company of Geese is not merely a poetry collection but a spiritual journey, an invitation to rediscover the bond with nature and the profound values of life. By intertwining Orthodox tradition with existential reflection, this work is a rare gem, capable of transforming the reader and bringing greater awareness of the sacred and spiritual essence.

Through the universal language of poetry, Stepanova invites deep meditation on the meaning of life and faith, intrinsic elements of Orthodox culture. Her words evoke the sacred dimension of the everyday, often forgotten in a world dominated by urban alienation and materialism.

The goose, central to the collection, becomes not just a symbol of transition between worlds but also a call to spiritual vigilance and the purity of the soul, core values of Orthodox tradition. This animal, recurring in Russian mythological and religious narratives, stands as a guardian of the sacred, reminding humanity of its connection to the divine and the necessity of restoring harmony with nature and oneself.

Stepanova does not merely narrate; her poetry delves deeply, offering images that resonate with both collective and individual memory. In her verses, the earth is not just a physical place but a metaphor for returning to origins, to the spiritual womb that nurtures and regenerates. The snow that covers and protects the flowers becomes a symbol of suspension, a necessary time to regain strength and be reborn.

The audience, emotionally engaged, perceived this spiritual dimension as an invitation to introspection and contemplation. The evening was not just a literary occasion but a moment of profound communion, where poetry, music, and tradition merged to create an atmosphere of intimacy and sacredness.

The Company of Geese is not merely a poetry collection: it is a dialogue between past and present, between earth and sky, a journey that reconnects us to our roots and the most authentic dimensions of being. Natalia A. Stepanova, with her evocative writing, offers a work that does more than speak; it whispers to the soul, awakening in us a sense of belonging and spirituality often obscured by the modern world.

This collection, with its complexity and beauty, becomes a bridge between Russian Orthodox tradition and the challenges of contemporary life, an invitation to reconnect with what is essential: nature, spirit, and the sacred. A reading that leaves a mark, offering not just poetry but also wisdom and solace for the heart and mind.