FRANCES ROBSON

Moffat book event: Russians, Scots

and still more Russians!

Simultaneous translations –

jabbering ghost voices in the heid;

vigil mass in local wooden kirk –

Christ joined us too.

Solitary young man Lermontov,

dislocated from the world,

joins the army. Czar denies him

military award; cannot refuse

a duel challenge.

Death of a poet at 27.

Demon falls for Tamara;

kills bridegroom;

seduction within convent walls.

Such promises of the earth, moon and heavenly power!

Tamara succumbs, but angel snatches her away –

redemption!