The Goose Company

In the collection, the goose is not just an animal but a multifaceted symbol deeply rooted in Russian Orthodox tradition, representing a bridge to transcendence. Through this imagery, Stepanova crafts a poetic language that evokes the connection between the sacred and daily life, urging reflection on humanity’s detachment from nature and spiritual roots.

Stepanova’s writing does not merely describe emotions; it delves into their essence: solitary joy, intimate pain, and the tension between the desire for protection and the harshness of life in “great cities.” The earth, depicted as a nurturing mother, becomes a refuge for humans, standing in stark contrast to the alienation of urban life, where the “bitter people” (gente amara, one of the poems featured in the collection) lose their connection to the sacred dimension of everyday existence.

Her poem Gente Amara offers a stark yet poignant exploration of modern human alienation and the need to reconnect with Mother Nature:

"And under the snow, the flowers sleep.

But for the men (bitter people

of great cities: bodies

four walls, fear of death)

other men, of semblance,

who believed they were gods,

claimed they were creators

of bodies, and of winds,

and of rains, and spoke

of the end of the world,

and showed death,

and the bitter people were afraid."

These lines, in their simplicity, encapsulate a profound existential unease. The "bitter people" of cities are portrayed as prisoners of a life confined by four walls, severed from nature and spirituality. Stepanova critiques a world where humans, “of semblance,” arrogate the role of creators but instead foster fear and alienation, disconnecting humanity from its most authentic roots.

In contrast, the earth, as the mother of "winds, rains, and roots," emerges as a salvific figure, offering shelter and protection—a symbolic and spiritual haven. It is in nature that the meaning of life is rediscovered, juxtaposed with the emotional and moral desolation of urban environments. The snow covering the flowers symbolizes not just winter but also a moment of quiet and protection, a prelude to renewal.

Through her rare and evocative poetic imagery, Stepanova invites readers to ponder the dehumanization of modern society and the imperative to rediscover a connection with the natural world. Her writing, suspended between denunciation and lyricism, resonates deeply, addressing both the individual and humanity as a whole.

The Goose Company is not just a poetry collection but a spiritual and cultural journey that reminds us of the importance of returning to the simplicity and sanctity of life. A reading that, with its complexity and beauty, becomes a transformative experience.