Peeter Volkonski compiles former nanny’s first poetry collection

Peeter Volkonski has compiled the first poetry collection by Jellen Pelt, his former nanny, ERR reported. Titled “Mis te tahte must?” (“What do you want from me?”), the book brings together poems by the little-known Estonian writer, who is 123 and still writing.

Volkonski said the first of Pelt’s texts came into his hands 50 years ago. She cared for him when he was six months old. “I remember her, though. She wore a scarf and had some kind of sponge,” he said, adding that she may have recited her verses while rocking him to sleep, although he could not be sure.

The collection spans poems written from 1924 to 2027. Volkonski noted that, as the final year suggests, it also includes poems that have not yet been written.

Pelt’s schooling ended at Nuusi’s half-grade school, but her poems explore feelings, desires, sport and nature. Actress Ülle Kaljuste read one of the poems at the book presentation and said it combined warmth with an everyday perspective on enduring themes. Actress Harriet Toompere said the work was rich in romance and heartache, and could bring readers to tears.