Our prayers and labour for the people of Ukraine who stand against autocracy. Peace under any other flag is yet peace. Click on a language to enter the work.
Vladimir Schtupkin
This storybook is conceived of as a diplomatically open-source project—as a movement of solidarity, for justice and for peace. Satire functions as a counter-point to propaganda; but as all literature serves, the story is meant simply to inspire, to console, and to entertain.
You may contribute to this project by extending the work. However, please ask and consult before doing so. Any adaptation should remain collaborative and respect its First Spirit, and the Creator would enjoy some input and say.
Then let us pray . . .
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For Ukraine
(a vigil*)
Tis but thy name that is our other; Thou art thyself, though not a Slav. What is a Slav? It is not rod, nor staff, Nor gun, nor shield, nor any other flag Belonging to Earth. Be not the dictator Or shame he calls virtue! That were he whole And mastered of himself, by any other name Would wave as proudly or his city shine like gold; So all Slavs would, were they not West nor East, Retain that dear reflection which they owe Without that title. All nations doff thy names, For sake, Ukraine which now is part of Thee. Take all ourselves, All glory, Our own children's hopes and freedoms won; Be their peace within thyself— Ever fought for, e'er begun.
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* Cf. Romeo and Juliet, 2.2.