born January 22nd, 1941 in Tartu, time and place of death yet unknown. His mother
was Estonian, Polish father disappeared in the Gulag archipelago during the
war. Studied linguistics in Tartu University, wrote his first romantic poems
(under the influence of Lermontov and Shelley) as a schoolboy. Has worked as
researcher in linguistics, sociologist, ecologist and translator from several
languages into Estonian. Interested in Celtic mythology and languages, American
Indians and classical Chinese philosophy and poetry. During
the perestroika and Estonian national revival active as journalist both at home
and abroad. Since 1990 convinced that the USSR cannot be saved and the West
must be prepared to accept its falling apart. 1992 - 1995 deputy of the Estonian
Parliament (Riigikogu). Politically adhering to the liberal Left. Has lectured
on history of Western civilization in Tartu University. Published several books
of poetry and essays in Estonian, Finnish and English. Has been translated also
into Norwegian, Swedish, Latvian, Russian and Czech. Influenced by Western modernism
(Rimbaud, Eliot, Pound) and classical Chinese poetry he has also translated.
Has translated mainly poetry from French, English, Spanish, Chinese and Swedish
(a volume of poems by Tomas Tranströmer). Travelled in many countries,
including China, Turkey and parts of Russia. Member of several learned societies
and the Universal Academy of Cultures headed by Elie Wiesel.