Alex Roglitz is the hero of my Quasar 169 series of sci-fi. His parents came across the Pond in 1953 from the USSR. Sometimes he waxes a little poetic...

So far from my homeland—but like a true mother your blood runs through my veins

I am a child apart from you, cut loose and lost without you at the reigns

In memory I seek you, for I feel you, but you are not there

In reflection I look for you, scan my eyes, my cheeks, my dark gold hair

I’ve heard so much about you—like an old aunt whose funeral I must attend

But how could I have lost you when we’ve never met—I’ve never known you as a friend?

You are my history, my mystery, my origin and path of life

But in this land America—they wish to rend you from me with a newsprint knife

Oh, sweet Rodina shining like a brilliant diamond set in ice

‘til we meet, for now, to quell my cravings, the memories of my parents shall suffice.