Original Sincerity: Some Thoughts on the Poetry of Boris Ryžij

The article considers the problem of sincerity in lyrical poetry in general, and in Ryzhii's poems in particular. Sincerity in non-naive poetry depends on being conscious of tradition (intellectual, poetical, religious) in its historical development. Accordingly looking for sincerity in poetry requires continual renewal of “the very instruments of poetic speech” (Mandel'shtam). Next, the article discusses the problem of sincerity in Ryzhii's poetry, including the problem of the lyrical hero. Finally, in a thorough analysis of the poem ‘Elegiia’ (‘Elegy’) the devices are shown by which Ryzhii succeeds in reinventing the poetic resources of sincerity and leaves his “human mark” in his work.