Death of Poland: Redux

By Bub 

So by now our dear One Year In Texas readers have had an afternoon to mourn the tragedy that happened to Poland. First let me express OYIT's solidarity with our Polish brothers and sisters. The current/former government of Poland, while waning in popularity in polls for the formerly upcoming elections, before the tragic events of 4/10, has done a lot to bring Poland back into the West and build a functioning democracy, and waylay Russian influence in any of its forms. Perhaps the most gut-wrenching example of Russian dissonance is the fact that the leaders killed today were shunned from the official Russian ceremony commemorating the massacre they were on their way to commemorate due to their pro-western stances. The non-deceased government of Poland helped bring many former Soviet nations into the western fold and in doing so brought hope and prosperity to some of the most beaten down nations. They deserve our grief and reverence. Thankfully they helped build such a strong government that their legacy will not fall off track.

I thought I would share my tale of mourning, living in the largest ethnic Polish community outside of Poland. I made my way down to Chicago Avenue, the heart of Chicago's ethnic Polish Ukrainian community. I passed elderly Polish couples sitting on their stoops in tears, waiting for condolence. It was nice to be able to give a somber head nod and have its intentions understood. I went to Ann's Bakery and Deli, which is a famous gathering place for elderly ethnic Polish Ukrainian women. On my way in I passed an old woman begging for something. I didn't understand, I smiled and made my way inside. I went to the deli counter and ordered what looked like an over-sized chicken nugget, an apple blintz and a savory pastry. The cashier, in her early twenties was visibly distraught. I tried to say as little as possible during check-out. I made my way to the eating area where eight old Polish women were having a lively conversation. I know a little Russian, but what they were saying was unintelligible. Plus, speaking Russian to these grieving widows would have been as effective as speaking Arabic to Ann Coulter after 9/11. I sat at a table with one elderly woman who didn't glance in my direction. I quietly devoured my Ukrainian treats while they dissected the horrific events in Urkainian. I tried to follow their conversation with my eyes. I caught a 'that was not very good' here and a 'Medvedev is a horse' there, but I failed to follow what they were saying coherently. They finished and got up as I was eating my blintz for dessert. I reached over and made a motion, without making contact, imitating clasping my table-mate's forearm in a sign of comradery. She looked at me as if I had attempted to rape her. Another old Polish women behind her smiled at me knowingly. I felt slightly vindicated. On my way out the old beggar was still there, but getting ready to cross the street. I thought this would be my chance. I went up to her and said, 'Vy haitsilibu shtonibut paest?' (Would you like something to eat in Russian). She wouldn't have the luxury of discriminating against Russian. (Unintelligible Ukrainian). 'Da?! Shto?' (Yea, what?). (Unintelligible Ukrainian) she pointed in the opposite direction of the bakery and smiled and placed her hand on my forearm. I didn't understand what she had said, but she knew what I was trying to do and I suppose that's all I wanted. On my way home I passed a tearful Polish gentleman in his 80s. I went to shake his hand but a 10-year old son of a hipster skateboarded in between us. I clasped my hands together and bowed my head instead... I suppose that is the most painful thing for many of my Polish neighbors. They go outside looking for solidarity and find uncaring Nicole Richies walking their dogs waiting for them to die out. I feel bad being one of the intruders, which is part of the reason why I wont be living in Chicago much longer. It is generally a horrible place, but today I finally got to feel an affinity with my Polish neighbors that they would have never allowed before.