The Scythians (poem)

"The Scythians" is a poem by Russian poet Anna Akhmatova, reflecting on the brutality and devastation brought by war, particularly during the Russian Revolution and Civil War. The poem contrasts the peaceful nature of art and beauty with the violent upheaval of society. The Scythians, ancient nomadic warriors known for their ferocity, symbolize chaos and destruction. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Akhmatova critiques the loss of cultural values and the impact of conflict on humanity, inviting readers to contemplate the moral complexities of a world overshadowed by violence.