To Alexander Abdulov | Tatiana Pahlen

To Alexander Abdulov
(A Russian actor beloved by all ages)

By Tatiana Pahlen

Sacha, how can I forget your deep, brown eyes?
Wide, smitten and full of fear
You followed my steps in the GITIS dormitory
When I was invited to visit my girlfriends there,
You stood behind the door patiently waiting.

I opened the door and asked: “What do you need?”
You showed me your blown up cheek, caused by a tooth infection
And asked humbly: “Can you help me?” I said: “How do you know I can?”
In the morning you were slated to play a big part – a hero lover
A not so believable role with a swollen cheek
But you had to perform it for your diploma exam.

I did a magic in front of my friends
All were mesmerized when your tooth's fluids went down,
You played your diploma exam with aplomb and you were chosen by 'Lencom' –
A prestigious theater who rarely lured newcomers.
Your talent was vivid; the public went wild seeing you on stage!

You appeared in many flicks, which became instant classics.
Your first role made you a big star in the movie “An Ordinary Miracle”
Was it a nod after a miracle I had performed on you,
The universal irony of making adjustments?

You were paired with a gifted star, another best friend of mine,
I met him later in the House of Kino, Oleg Yankovsky;
We became instant friends.
I was his only audience when he probed to play Lenin’s part.
Sadly, both of you left us a year apart.
First you in 2008, then Oleg in 2009,
Oleg was older than us.

I never lost touch with you after your marriage,
Our friendship was above any desires
You didn't forgot what I have done for you; I lost my girl pals who witnessed it;
They were scared of a witchcraft.

Last time you invited me to see a newly staged the “Three Sisters" play
You were the head of your theater, and brought the production to New York City.
We had so much fun afterwards at the “Russian Samovar” having a feast;
I didn’t realize it would be your last trip to New York.

The cancer encircled you; I learned it much later.
Praying for you, Sasha, RIP, dear friend!

wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksandr_Abdulov

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