Itt-Ott, 1996 (29. évfolyam, 1/126-2/127. szám)
1996 / 1. (126.) szám
brought this nature’s fireworks to a standstill. Lastly colleges. They’re accessible to most but the general populace doesn’t read. This culture is not reflective. It’s geared toward labor and instant reimbursement, not toward cerebral encounters. America, you thrive on contradictions. Adóm Makkai: I Feel at Ease in the States (Szeretem itt az Államokban) I feel at ease in the States. You can be relaxed like soft tin. At other times you may plan feverishly. Tell me, isn’t it grand in the States? You can be lazy like aforementioned tin. You may have some money, act like the middle class. Then there’s no worry about where the plane will land. The phone is always accessible. But if a poem stirs in your brain, nobody inquires, nobody cares. And if you start a conversation, the grin of hundred blond Yankees will shine on you. The nostalgia for a home, for sweet poverty tortures you in these lovely States like a tasty biteful stuck in a tight throat. Before we forget, here is a biographical sketch of the authors: Sándor András received his Ph.D. in German literature. He taught Hungarian literature in California; he also taught German literature at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Elemér Horváth studied Hungarian literature in Budapest and art history in Rome, but has never received a degree. Presently he is a senior printer for a newspaper chain. He lives near West Point. György Faludy was awarded, belatedly, the coveted Kossuth Prize, the highest in Hungary. After an adventurous life, Faludy hopefully found peace in his birthplace that initially placed roadblocks in his way. Miklós Kolumbán found peace in New Jersey because no one impeded his progress. He teaches English to people who know no English. Finally, Adam Makkai earned a Ph.D. in linguistics at Yale University. For a short time, he was a teacher in Hawaii, then in Malaysia. Now he is a professor at the University of Illinois. After re-reading the hidden clues, the revelations about America, I came to the conclusion that if someone is in a brooding mood, it is possible to walk away with a negative response. This certainly was not my intent! I still believe that this is a helpful, reassuring, albeit imperfect country. The points brought out in the poems should make us ponder the nature of life and culture here. The thoughts contained in this article should also serve as a warning beacon to those who wish to come and dwell on the premises. America, the sanctuary of immigrants? New arrivals, don’t expect a brass band; don’t expect fertile conditions for unrestrained growth. You will not live without conflict! You will bump into contradictions, possibly be swept off your feet by them. Nevertheless, attempt to adjust to a blemished but still good world. Be dogged. Seek out a clever profession. Don’t be sickly. Fight, but also accept things. Another paradox. □ SURGERY ON MY SOUL Kolumbán Miklós új verseskötete, a Box Turtle Press/Attitude Art kiadásában (New York). ISBN 963 8462 0 4. Ára $7.00. ITT-OTT 29. évf. (1996), 1. (126.) szám 47
