I am a doctor, gerontologist, corresponding member of the International Academy of Gerontology and writer.
On 9 July 2017, I visited the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex. I was deeply impressed by what I saw and heard.
My visit inspired me to write the poem “Stalin Line”, which I offer to you as my contribution to your work. I wish you every success!
The Stalin Line
Rings out like a tocsin
Here, dozens of soldiers
Laid down their lives
Upon these heights
At the edge of the earth
They stood to the death
To stop the enemy breaking through
Their valour is immortal
From those terrible days
Obelisks stand
We preserve their memory
Today, over the field
A pale mist drifts
Trenches and pillboxes
A green burial mound
The descendants come
Of the heroes of those years
A minute's silence
Like a solemn vow
Remember!
12 July 2017, V. G. Girin
Russian 
English