Chris McDonnell: Alexi Navalny March 1, 2024
A Russian funeral
Alexei Navalny March 1, 2024
“You were not afraid.
We are not afraid.”
At the closed gates of the church
-the Ikon of the Mother of God-
the crowds gathered, occasionally chanting,
now and then clapping, attended by police.
“no to war”, “we will never forget”,
“murderers”
then rippled into silence.
And the mourning continued.
“We won’t forget you.”
A circle of people holding lit candles
Surround the coffin, quietly chanting.
According to a notice
“No photography is allowed.”
A peeling bell accompanied
the coffin to the black van, no hearse.
Parents. Lips pursed, followed.
His wife and children abroad in exile.
“Navalny
“Navalny
“Navalny
Thrown flowers litter the ground,
tears are shed
as the journey to the Borisovskoye cemetery
concludes by an open casket
blessed with the Sign of the Cross by numerous
followers.
Later the Burial.