Boris
I loved him.
He was the “enemy.”
He was a “dirty red.”
He was a “commy.”
He was a “lousy russian who loved his vodka.”
But whenever I saw him on TV I got a good feeling.
Whenever I heard him speak I wanted to hug the guy.
I don’t know much about his politics.
I know that he took Russia into a new era.
I know he brought democracy..whatever the hell that is these days.
I know he was there when Russia collapsed.
But I thought he was neat.
His name was Boris and it reminded me of Rocky & Bullwinkle.
The little spy guy. Wife Natasha…Yeah him.
I heard he died today and it made me sad because compared to some
of the clowns running around like politicians
these days he was really lovable and it made me think back to
the one moment
that sticks in my mind
One of the rarest moments in politics
is what I think of
When I think of Boris Yeltsin
I think Bill Clinton and him laughing
Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin Laughing like Schoolboys
Laughing like friends laugh when they tease each other
Laughing like pals
Laughing like humans.
I’ve only seen it once.
I’ve lived through Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush I, Clinton, and Bush II
And I’ve only seen it once.
Two leaders.Two politicians. Two enemies. Two Allies. Laughing.
I’ve recalled the moment a lot over the years.
And today Boris Yeltsin has passed.
So I think about him
and smile
and
watch.
