Oblako v shtanakh

work by Mayakovsky

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July 1, 2026

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"Oblako v shtanakh" (A Cloud in Trousers) is a significant long poem by Vladimir Mayakovsky, a leading figure of Russian Futurism and the Russian Revolution. Written between 1914 and 1916, the poem is characterized by its bold, declamatory style, street language, and daring technical innovations. It records a tragedy of unrequited love and expresses Mayakovsky's discontent with the world. The poem is known for its self-assertive and defiant form and content, reflecting the spirit of romantic bohemian radicalism.12

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Vladimir Mayakovsky
…completed two major poems, “Oblako v shtanakh” (1915; “A Cloud in Trousers”) and “Fleyta pozvonochnik” (written 1915, published 1916; “The Backbone Flute”). Both record a tragedy of unrequited love and express the author’s discontent with the world in which he lived. Mayakovsky sought to “depoetize” poetry, adopting the language…
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…completed two major poems, “Oblako v shtanakh” (1915; “A Cloud in Trousers”) and “Fleyta pozvonochnik” (written 1915, published 1916; “The Backbone Flute”). Both record a tragedy of unrequited love and express the author’s discontent with the world in which he lived. Mayakovsky sought to “depoetize” poetry, adopting the language…
Read More