This issue of Tiny Essays focuses on the mastership of Dr. Brian May, whose birthday we, his fans, are celebrating this week. I always wanted to write more about his tunes, his riffs, his wonderful poetry – and I think, this is a perfect occasion to talk about those songs that I never get tired of. I think that the benefit of knowing this music … Continue reading Happy B-day, Dr. May! (Tiny Essays – a special issue)
In the beginning we see the contours of bodies hidden underneath the white sheets, basking in the pale morning light. With the first sounds of Freddie’s voice, young and beautiful faces emerge from these covers, staring intensely into the audience; as the sunlight floods the stage, they get up and wander around, clinging to their sheets, as if clamping a wound on their stomachs or … Continue reading A Chance to Live
I miss my silliness I want to plunge back Into my dreams Taken away from me And never coming back These carefree thoughts Crumbled and crushed My cheerfulness My pre-war anxiety Oh how I miss you Where are all these hugs And heartfelt handshakes Spontaneous trips I need to be grateful But sometimes Mourning is all I feel Losing / Gaining I lie and morn … Continue reading 12 am
This text has been on my mind since the very first weeks of the lockdown. And I tried – but every time I ran short of energy, and all my words and thoughts would slip away. However, last weekend I had, together with many of my friends, an incredibly positive experience of being a part of a worldwide party, initiated by one of my biggest … Continue reading Songs of Life
Do you remember what you should do when darkness surrounds you? Yes – you need to summon your Patronus, and the black shadow will dissipate. I always loved this powerful image that helped me to visualize what I feel so often, especially these days. I loved the duet of Kerry Ellis and Brian May for quite a while – starting from the time when I … Continue reading Some Things That Glitter May Be Gold
Last night I looked at the calendar and realized that it’s almost February 25, George Harrison’s birthday. Two years ago today I wrote an essay in Russian – as a way of thanking one of my biggest heroes for everything I have learned from him – and now, I think, I want to say it in George’s language. Several years ago, in time of need, … Continue reading George
The mini-essay experiment continues… This one turned out a bit gloomy. V. You laugh at every joke, drag your blanket blindly, fill your heart with smoke…and the first thing that you want will be the last thing you’ll ever need. That’s how you fight it – Wilco, ‘How to Fight Loneliness’ Rock music constitutes an essential part of my personality, and because of that, I … Continue reading Tiny Essays – Part 2
I asked my friends to send me the lines from their favorite songs so that I could write mini-essays about each of them. And here is the result. I. I don’t know how / You were inverted Being an old Beatles fan I knew this song all my life. And yet, this version, played by great late Jeff Healey, gave me a different insight into … Continue reading Tiny Essays – Part 1
Thank you for stopping by! We are two friends talking and writing about things we love – music, films, theater, art, and literature. If you came across this page for the first time, please take a look at our manifesto that outlines the main goals and principles of this project. This page is a work in progress, please bear with us! If you know Russian, … Continue reading Welcome!
Desperate Writers 