Kosta Khetagurov is a poet whose work is imbued with a proud spirit of freedom and courage. His poems, written in Kabardian and Russian, extol willpower, honor, and dignity. At the center of many of his works is the image of a man capable of withstanding life's adversities, defending the truth, and taking responsibility for his actions. This collection explores Khetagurov's understanding of masculinity, which is inextricably linked to love for one's homeland, loyalty to one's principles, and a deep inner world. Here you will find both well-known and lesser-known poems reflecting the various facets of this complex and noble concept.
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Don't cry, my son!
Don't cry, my son! Don't wipe away your tears! A timid look and moaning don't suit a man. Look at the mountains, at the formidable peaks, Their spirits tempered by storm and tempest. You are a proud son of the Kabardian people, The blood of ancient warriors flows in you. Don't fear difficulties, don't fear trials, Be firm and strong, like a rock.
Defender
When disaster falls upon our land, When the enemy dares to draw his sword, A man's heart freezes in anger, And sacred duty bids him march. Not for glory, not for honor, But for honor, for the sake of his native lands, He will stand in line, Unwavering, Unwavering, And the enemy will know the strength of our days.
A man's word
A man's word is like flint that sows a spark when spoken in a time of need. It doesn't lie, doesn't hide, doesn't languish, but speaks the truth, as fate dictates. Better a bitter word than empty flattery, Than a false oath that gnaws at the soul. A man's word is incorruptible power, It is more precious than gold and coins.
Proud Rider
On a dashing horse, through storm and foul weather, a proud, free, and courageous rider gallops. In his eyes is the bright radiance of courage, in his soul is an unquenchable fire. He fears neither death nor suffering, he knows the value of honor and goodness. He is a son of the Caucasus, free and fearless, his destiny is freedom and struggle.
In the hour of trial
When fate prepares trials, When doubts torment your soul, Don't lose heart, don't lose patience, A man must stand firm like a stingray. Face adversity with pride, And remember that you are not alone in this struggle. Your ancestors, your land, your family Will always support you in difficult times.
Warrior's Heart
Within his chest beats the heart of a warrior, filled with strength and fire. It knows no fear and is at peace, ready for all feats. Protector of the weak, avenger of the wronged, he will stand in the way of any evil. His soul is like the sky, boundless, his destiny is to serve his tribe.
Don't bow your head
Do not bow your head before the enemy's power, do not betray your own, do not lie to yourself. Be true to honor, be true to the truth, go forward, do not fear in the struggle. Better death than a life of enslavement, than humiliation, than shame and disgrace. A man must be free in his aspirations, and proudly bear his noble appearance.
On guard of the homeland
Guarding his homeland, sword in hand, he stands as unwavering as a rock. He sees the enemy from afar, far away, and knows the battle is near. He will not waver, he will not be afraid, he will fight to the end. For his land, for his people, for the honor and dignity of his father.
Pledge of Allegiance
I swear by the land of my ancestors and my fatherland, I swear by my love for my mother, To be faithful to duty, honor, and my fatherland, And to defend my people until my dying day. I swear to know neither fear nor doubt, I swear to fight the enemy to the end. I swear to be a man, strong and fearless, And to betray neither my homeland nor my father.
Mountain character
The mountaineer's character is stern and unapproachable, like the snow-capped peaks. He is not prone to flattery or deceit, he values truth in his words. He is free-spirited, strong and powerful, he does not tolerate injustice or lies. He is a son of the Caucasus, proud and fearless, his destiny is freedom and life.
Lonely Warrior
Alone against all, in a deep valley, he stands like an oak that the wind cannot break. His weapons are faith and courage, his armor is honor that cannot be bought. He knows the battle will not be easy, but he is ready to fight to the end. For truth, for freedom, for his people, for the honor and dignity of a father.
Man and duty
Duty to one's homeland is a sacred fire that always burns in a man's heart. It calls him to battle, to combat, and gives him no rest day or night. A man must fulfill his duty, fearing neither death nor suffering. He must be faithful to his land and defend it from any attack.
Strength of spirit
A harsh fate will not break the spirit of a Kabardian, nor will the fire of freedom in his chest be extinguished. He will endure all trials with pride, and will live as long as his heart beats ahead. Strength of spirit is what distinguishes a man, Strength of spirit is what keeps him going. He will believe in his strength and victory, and will never allow himself to fall and give up.
Heir of the ancestors
He is the heir to his ancestors, their glory and honor. He is a proud son of the Caucasus, free and courageous. He will not forget his roots and traditions, and will live as his grandfathers taught him. He will honor the memory of his ancestors, and pass it on to his children. He will cherish his land and his people, and will live as long as the sun shines.