Honouring Mikhail Gorbachev

President of the Soviet Union 1990–91 whose work with Perestroika led to the downfall of Communism and the end of the Cold War. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

After the television interview

Mikhail Gorbachev slumped on a wooden chair
in a room
washed by grey light coming in from the window to his left.

He must have been uncomfortable
reminiscing about his late wife
his life as a leader.

He said he didn't have enough time
to finish his work
his rival had promised quicker reforms.

The parquetry floor
reflected the window
through which a cool breeze flowed.

He didn't blame anyone.

He stared at his feet
which rested
in a pool of fading light.

Eva Collins