Poems Tributes | To Nikanor Chebotorevich

Chipmunk
(To Nikanor Chebotorevich)
By Tatiana Pahlen

My dear friend of thirty years
Departed suddenly last week:
A legendary bartender
On the Upper East Side in New York,
He worked in well-known spots like “Churchill’s,”
Where I first met his cheery self.

Greeted as Chipmunk by many
He was the best kind of soul,
With the kindest heart towards all;
Surrounded by a crowd in high ranks
Among the NYPD and FBI, reporters of crime,
And, occasionally, gangsters who came
To “Hudson Bay” and “Wicked Wolf “
And the last bar – “Iggy’s “

He was not a novice
In the entertainment world;
The famous dynasty Princess
Of the James Bond empire,
Barbara Broccoli, enjoyed
Spending time with him.
Author Dan Mahoney
Portrayed him in the detective thrillers.

Chipmunk’s first name was Nikanor,
And last name Chebotarevich –
His identity was given to one of the main characters
In the movie “The Deer Hunter.”
He rarely talked about it,
Known for his modesty.

His friend and former roommate,
Director Michael Cimino,
Visualized Christopher Walken
In the role as Nick
That he picked from Chipmunk.
Removing one letter from his last name
Calling him Chevotarevich.

Nikanor was born in Belarus,
Depicted in the opening film scene
In the movie, with Meryl Streep
Dancing and dressed like a Russian.
It gave me chills and a spiritual thrill –
It was part of my culture.

His honesty in every part of his being
Lured people to become his pal.
He treated everyone as they deserved
Without questioning them as
He poured shots and stiff cocktails,
But God forbid you were not on his team.

His pal, Michael Cimino,
Uncannily died the same year –
Earlier by only four months.
But what shocked me most was
Chipmunk and his last boss, Iggy
Dying a few days apart.
Their funerals were on the same day!

Chipmunk was glamorized as a bartender
And unique character by famous scribes;
You will be forever remembered, Nikanor,
For always being there for me,
Solving problems without pride!
You were the man everyone loved!