Oh, I see a bit better now. If she does perk up when she talks about home, then yeah, Russian poetry would certainly be a way to use her as the "expert" for the hour and get her to lead the discussion rather than relying on her friend? I mean, I don't think the situation will be worse off for trying. It depends on your teaching style, but you might confer with her briefly before actually springing it on her.

It is indeed Rachel Maddow spreading out papers on the floor of her office. (I snagged it from her show's Flickr stream.) I am madly and quietly in love with her... just like every other queer-identified woman I, um, know. :)