1) The "powerful images" of Yeghishe Charents
It gives me great joy to be here, to set foot on the soil of this
beloved land of Armenia, to visit a people of ancient and rich
traditions, a people that has given courageous testimony to its faith
and suffered greatly, yet has shown itself capable of constantly being
reborn.
“Our turquoise sky, our clear waters, the flood of light, the summer
sun and the proud winter borealis… our age-old stones … our ancient
etched books which have become a prayer” (ELISE CIARENZ, Ode to
Armenia). These are among the powerful images that one of your
illustrious poets offers us to illustrate the rich history and natural
beauty of Armenia. They sum up the rich legacy and the glorious yet
dramatic experience of a people and their deep-seated love of their
country.
