- Brodie Anderson
- Doctor Thomsen
- Patricia Newman
- Bits of Humor
- Not By Bread Alone
- The Curious Incident
- 2nd Chances
- Walt Atchison
A Poem by Walt Atchison
Walt Atchison was a key member of the LANL team of computational physicists who were responsible for using LANL’s sophisticated, multidimensional computer codes to design, simulate and analyze the very complex experiments being conducted by the joint LANL/VNIIEF collaboration. Walt was instrumental in designing experiments at both LANL and VNIIEF that investigated material properties at ultrahigh pressures. Walt’s interaction with his VNIIEF counterparts was a prime example that scientists worldwide speak a common language of science, even if they can’t speak each other’s native tongue. As with most, if not, all of the LANL team, Walt was very proud of his contributions and developed a strong attachment to his Russian colleagues. In 2007, Walt made the tough decision to accept LANL’s early retirement incentive, knowing that it would sharply reduce, and perhaps end, his contact with the Russians whom he had come to know so well.
All of the LANL team had learned the Russian tradition of toasting at the many banquets that ended a successful experimental campaign or an enlightening period of pre- or post-shot discussions. We learned that the last toast of the evening is always NA PASOSHOK i.e., the “walking stick.” Walt had been an avid writer of poetry in his youth but hadn’t written for many years. However, just before his retirement, as he realized that the approaching banquet could well be his last, a poem began to form in his mind. He wrote “The Walking Stick” and read it at the last banquet he attended in Sarov. From the reaction of his Russian colleagues, including some tears, it was obvious that many felt the same emotions as he did.
Irv Lindemuth, Tucson AZ, June 2017
The Walking Stick
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I’ve learned so much from visits to this place
So many things you’ve taught to me
So many things I never thought I’d learn
So many things I never thought would be
I’ve learned the words “Dobri Utra”
To greet both friendly smiles and rising sun
I’ve learned the words “Dobri Nocha”
When sun is set and work is done
I’ve also come to know the walking stick
And used it many times and ways
I’ve come to know the walking stick
Will cherish it for all my days
I’ve used the walking stick in daylight
Leaving a warm and friendly home
It aides and comforts as well at night
Through unfamiliar scenes I roam
I’ve used it in the thaw of Spring
Walking through birches on my way
Full of new and fresh and growing buds
Like friendships newly made
I’ve used it in the warmth of Summer
Through trees so full and thick
And felt the gentle evening breeze
While friends shared the walking stick
I’ve used it in the colors of Autumn
And heard the wind that stirs the leaves
And brings to mind your welcomed voices
That stirs the warmth that never leaves.
I’ve used it in the depths of Winter
While trees still wear soft white coats of winter
And in my heart I touch the warmth
Put there by our friendly dinner
In Sarov I’ve used it often
Through each and every season
While walking through this friendly town
I had no need but had a reason
The reason is the one word I have never learned
It’s something I simply cannot say
It grabs my throat and gives me pain
It means I must go and cannot stay
So I’ve come to know the walking stick
And will use it one more time
And depart this place I’ve come to know
Perhaps to leave my friends behind
