ABSTRACT
The loneliness of exile and nostalgia for home infuse Polish literature, and the Polish stork became a national symbol because of its own great migrations. There was still a German minority here during World War I, but the Polish farmers had better land. It was surprising how modern the Polish highway system had become in only the last ten years of independence. Thus, on a recent trip to Poland, armed with a map and accompanied by several colleagues from the government press agency. This was astonishing because Poland, like Ireland and Turkey, has long been one of Europe’s great producers of emigrants. Poland’s gawky storks perch atop the straw roofs and brick chimneys. Swans swim in some of the sluggish lakes. Mr. Puchata, the mayor, is amazed that some middle-class Poles are arriving and building country homes, providing paid work for local residents.
