From Dostoevsky in Heaven [by Mitch Sisskind]

Europe will find Christ with our Russia
Showing the way, which is her destiny --
But America? Ha. Recall how Svidrigailov 
Speaks of "America" as a euphemism
For what? For suicide! Ha. So I speak of
Trump as a double of Papa Karamazov
Who in his turn speaks of Grushenka as 
"My little chicken." Ha. Needless to say, 
Yes, yes, yes, there is also an aspect
Of Smerdyakov in Trump -- I know this --
And the bottom line (as you say!) is this:
America must not, cannot, and will not
Be redeemed. I'm just so terribly sorry.
Russia -- the third Rome! America? Ha.

Comments

[Raymond Hopper]

Svidrigailov, Smerdyakov and old Man Karamazov: three of the least likeable characters in Dostoevsky. Okay. But what's he to Hecuba, and Hecuba to him? Cuba rhymes wiuth Hecuba. Neanmoins, the mention of Rome conjures an empire, than an unholy, non-Roman, poor excuse for an empire, and then came the Rossuain revolution, as if we needed any more proof of the abyss between theory and history. Therefore I salute thee, sir. The readiness is all.

[Summer Brenner]

Ha! Ha!