"The Twelve" (Mayakovsky)

"The Twelve" is a poem by Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky, written in 1923. It depicts a group of twelve Red Guards, revolutionary soldiers, marching through post-revolutionary Russia. The poem explores themes of revolution, collective experience, and the tensions of societal change. Mayakovsky uses vivid imagery and dynamic language to convey the emotion and urgency of the period. The marchers, representing the new Soviet spirit, are contrasted with lingering elements of the old regime. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the revolutionary fervor while also addressing the complexities and struggles of building a new society.