Gorbachev’s fortunes were always in a state of thaw.
His background in agriculture had pleased Communist pollsters,
But his acceptance of widening freedoms he saw
Flowing in the Baltic States and across their borders
Resulted in his losing his grip on the Soviet Union, itself.
From ‘Man of the Year’ and the Committee’s choice, to end
The ‘Cold War’ with the West, reducing armies and ‘shelf’
Wars, he fell from power in Russia (but stayed all the same).
Despite being sidelined, his old roof leaking in rain,
He walked the same walk year after year to his office.
His family had moved to Germany; he lived alone.
He led the Green Cross, and urged chemical weapons use
And manufacture end. “Crucify me right here,” he moaned.
His greatest weakness? His democratic soul: “It lives inside me,” he said.*
June Edvenson 