Wordsmith Harri Hertell wrote a poem about Havis Amanda, one of Helsinki’s most iconic statues, based on various memories contributed by residents of the city. The collaborative ode that resulted was presented in honour of Manta’s return to her perch in Market Square on 29 August 2024.
I rose from the sea
cast in bronze and naked
that was 116 years ago
when I came alive
not in Ville's workshop in Paris
but at home
here in Helsinki
among you all
and all the things I've been able to see
how I have been seen
in all ages
our gazes have spoken of the times.
The paintings and songs
the poems, the joys
the arguments and celebrations
you have made them
and nothing can separate
us any longer
not the changing seasons
or centuries
as I look to the past
and future at the same time
I sometimes wonder in the quiet
early morning hours
when not even the postal workers
are roaming through Espa
how lucky I am
to know each one of you
better than you think
I've been here long enough
seen a revolution
the horror of wars
graduations and street parties
bombers in the sky
seagulls eyeing our ice cream cones
thirsty elephants at my pool
tourists dressed in cameras
jolly polytechnic students
I've also seen the horses
the trams and cars
the center's quietest
and most resounding moments.
I have seen the naked human sea
and the sea lion riders
mounted cops and parade fanfares.
I have seen the slowly awakening market in the morning
the accordionists and fairs
how always at last
the vendors pack up their stalls
just so
they can soon start over again.
I've seen first kisses
and lonely
silent disappointment
like getting stood up
on your first date.
I've seen many times
when people in love suddenly
discover they are,
how the trams disappear
around the corner
and always return again.
I've seen flags waving
in pride and in sorrow
how others hand over their extra coins
or the only one they have
wishing for something good
and for others to find
and pick up those coins
to sustain themselves
or to treat themselves that day.
And every day
I still observe you
knowing you better and better
finding more trust
in all the good
that we can accomplish together
I know you will take care of me
and this city
because only my spirit
is eternally young
rather unlike this bronze outer shell
and still even now
I get my strength from you
knowing that we are together
you
me
us
this city
that lives by changing
and yet always lasting
as our home by the waves
that is shared by us all.
- Harri Hertell
Wordsmith Harri Hertell wrote a poem about Havis Amanda, one of Helsinki’s most iconic statues, based on various memories contributed by residents of the city. The collaborative ode that resulted was presented in honour of Manta’s return to her place in Market Square on 29 August 2024.
