Poland: Fall in a Rising Nation

The leaves on the row of trees along the boulevard glow with a romantic light which reminds me of a department store Christmas display. The fact that they still have leaves in November suggests to me these trees may not be as natural as they appear, but the effect is still beautiful. Lining the wide promenade on either side are countless bars and cafes — much the same as any resort town. This is Sopot, Poland, a wonderful little beach town near Gdansk where I am now staying.

At night this entertainment district is packed with young people enjoying life and on weekends hundreds stroll along the street and out the pier into the Baltic and back.

This particular night, up the street I notice what appears to be three people lying on the ground. At first it’s hard to tell if someone is injured or if perhaps they are posing for pictures. No one seems to be reacting or rushing to aid them, so I assume it’s just some kids fooling around. As I approach them I realize that the tangle of three consists of one guy being held in a headlock while another young man pins his legs down. The captive is not resisting or flailing his arms and legs or trying to break free. Hi captors seem to be using only the force required to restrain him with a surreal calm which is eerie and challenges me to decipher the situation. It’s almost a gentle, caring embrace where the two holding the young man seem determined not to harm him in any way — both of them keep glancing up and around as if looking for something or someone. Now the scene begins to make sense. As I walk away from them, I notice the flashing blue lights of a police car pulling up. For some reason I am left with the impression that this incident is indicative of the Polish people, tough by experience and gentle by nature.

In the few short days I’ve been here, I have found them to be hospitable and warm to outsiders, but tinged with a sense of caution — no surprise when you consider the trauma this people’s cultural memory has endured.

I hope my friends in Poland won’t think I am judging them. Frankly, the best I can do here is observe from behind a duck blind of ignorance. If there is such as thing as good natured arrogance, than this might be my best rationalization for this post.

As with the sparkling trees along the boulevard, this nation’s people are hardy, romantic and captivating. They’ve survived many harsh winters and because of this, they appreciate the spring much more than most. Poland’s spring came with her freedom, but she still is moving towards her summer and what a season that will be.