Roller-skating Notes

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Teleported across the Iron Curtain, Nina Zivancevic explores the alienation of language on the brink, presenting mantras of the unsayable as a form of linguistic refuge. Contrary to Adorno's assertion that poetry is impossible after Auschwitz, Zivancevic demonstrates that such catastrophes actually foster critical poetic expression. As a stand-up poet reminiscent of greats like Lenny Bruce and Groucho Marx, her work is an assault on the senses, delivering impactful lines that resonate deeply. Reflecting on her life in Paris, the migrant situation, her past in Belgrade during the civil war, and issues of gentrification in New York, Zivancevic also addresses broader historical events, including the civil wars in Syria and Afghanistan. Her poetry intertwines reflections on ancient Greece and philosophers like Nietzsche and Freud, as well as artists such as Chagall and Chopin, creating a rich tapestry of thought. Critics laud her ability to translate complex ideas into poetry, positioning her as a master mathematician of concepts. Each poem serves as a bullet to the ears, challenging readers to engage with the world in profound ways.