I remember that the first longer verse I had to study in kindergarten was Baba Marta in a hurry:
"Grandma Martha was in a hurry,
martenicas tied,
lawns, greens,
White and red.
First of the forest -
to leaf the leaves.
And all come:
storks, birds ... "
Before I grew up, it never occurred to me to ask who was the author of this, so much loved by the little ones, verse. It is as if in the childhood consciousness songs, poems and riddles are devoid of authorship. Children put them on a par with the stories and do not allow one person to sit down to write them specifically for them. Because the works for children are very easy to tell and recite, which brings them closer to folk art and distinguishes them from "serious literature". It's easier for children to believe that children's songs and poems are the work of a grandparent in a village, rather than some serious uncle with a suit and tie.
But all of this is rather seeming. As we grow older and read, we actually understand that children's literature is a serious activity and a big responsibility. And the poems and songs have their authors - these are "grown-up" adults with kind souls who are dedicated to enriching children's virginity. Children's literature requires great talent, and the songs and poems we all remember from kindergarten are the work of the most talented and beloved writers.
One of the most famous Bulgarian authors of children's literature from the first half of the 20th century is Jordan Bakalov, better known by his creative nickname Stubel. It is Jordan Stubel who authored the verse on martenitsi, which we all unintentionally remember every year on Baba Marta's holiday. Let's talk more about Jordan Stubel, as he is one of the masters of children's literature in Bulgaria. The characteristic of him is that he initially focused on "serious" literature. Four are the leading Bulgarian authors of the first half of the XX century who write successfully for both children and adults: Asen Raztsvetnikov, Angel Karaliychev, Elin Pelin and Jordan Stubel. Among them, Stubel is the most unpopular today, which is another reason to tell more about him.
Jordan Ivanov Bakalov was born in Sofia on February 19 on February 1897.. It comes from a rich Renaissance family whose roots are in Elena, Turnovo and Gabrovo. However, Jordan Bakalov (Stubel) grew up in the capital, along with Elizabeth Bagryan are the only more serious poets of the time who came from Sofia. The young man enrolled to study law at Sofia University, but did not graduate. Instead, he started writing poems.
He started in Laugh Magazine (1914) and the Bulgarian newspaper (1918). His talent immediately impressed the critics. He was recently recruited as a contributor to the leading literary magazine Zlatorog. DB Mitov (Dimitar Borisov Mitov - The Oak) in 1919 admired Stubel's "gentle still life", "ease and purity" of the images. And Jordan Badev (1922) in Literary Zigzags claims that Stubel is one of the two best poets of the young postwar generation. Zlatograd's head Vladimir Vassilev also cites Jordan Stubel among "the youngest promises of our lyrics." Because of his work in the same magazine, Stubel receives a cash bonus of 10 thousand BGN National Literature and Art Promotion Act for 1923
For the first time in 1925, Stubel brought together his verses from Goldilocks - in his first book, Destiny, which carries the dedication of Dora Gabe.
"Gentile, born and baptized,
lighted arrows burn over me.
Take me with the hug and the ring
and with your blood and eternity it warms me,
to know, to feel distracted,
you shine from the door of heaven,
that you love, as fate and truth,
solutions of the grooms of the world,
to get them through you - the captives
in the green eyes of spring…
I hug both my hair and my knees,
I kiss the earth and the flesh. "
Critics consider the Dora Gabe poem to be quite successful. The book is called "a nice and bright surprise". The author is thought to be of a contemplative nature, immersed in the meaning of things. The poems are created in the form of an elegantly pessimistic confession. There is sadness and reconciliation, but there are also optimistic notes. "In the circles of Stubel's poetry man falls and rises: he falls into the dungeons of the world, where the terrible destinies of men are drawn up, and rises to the light settlements of heaven: in a moment and without a twist he is before the terrible beginning."
Dora Gabe is Stubel's favorite, who is present in the verses, she is "the pagan, born and unbaptized", she is his muse. She encourages him to write. The relationship between the two is very romantic. Dora is her strength: she is confident in her and his literary talents, she is the better known of the two, she encourages and caresses. Therefore, it is no coincidence that he addresses her with the atypical request for a man: "Take me with your embrace at the ring / and with your blood and eternity warm me…"
The relationship between Jordan Stubel and Dora Gabe has remained hidden from people's eyes for some time. Maybe they are both embarrassed by the age difference - Dora is 11 years older. People give different information as to when their relationship was dated, indicating approximately 1927 - 1930. But Dora verses dating back to 1925 indicate that their relationship was initially kept secret.
In any case, Dora Gabe makes a huge mark on Stubel's life. The great Bulgarian poet is not a woman who can hold on to this "poet of quiet contemplation," as the critic calls him. The two are incompatible in character, which puts an end to their relationship. But before that happens, Dora says something very important - Jordan Stubel is talented, but above all, a child poet. In the 30 years, her observation was confirmed, and Stubel was increasingly focusing on children's literature.
In 1934 he left Goldilocks. And in 1935 Orphan Wanderer he invites him to work in the radio as the head of literary and dramatic programs. After the death of Sirak Skitnik, Jordan Stubble became briefly even a radio director. Stubel marries a gymnastics and handicraft teacher whom he meets while on vacation in Tryavna. Creates a happy and friendly family. He gradually abandons the love lyrics and focuses entirely on children's works. There Stubel fully reveals to us his great kindness, patriotism and reverence for the Bulgarian traditions.
Hey, comrades
Survakari!
Hey, heroes
with caps!
Dryan has flowered in a clearing
with a wonderfully nice change:
every twig is gilded,
every navel is silver plated
with white boil and frost.
Surva, happy year!…
Wholesale grain in barns,
fat lambs in barns,
destructive wine on the cellars,
honey and beeswax,
full house with estate -
peace and love to come,
to live as brothers
all the people on earth,
that the land is a garden ...
Surva, happy year,
to a year, to an amine ... "
(Hey, buddies)
