Afanasy Fet
Learn from the trees — the oak and the birch...

Learn from the trees — the oak and the birch.
Harsh days are here, with winter all around:
Their tears, poured vainly, froze not to resurge,
Their bark had cracked and shrugged without a sound.

So tough the blizzard, ripping without mercy,
Last leaves with anger, coldness sensed inside.
These trees stand still, and, as the weather worsens,
Of this cruel frost you, too, stay strong in spite!

Have hope for spring that rushes. Trust, be patient.
Once more with warmth and life its genius breathes.
For brighter days, for newer revelations,
Your soul shall heal from fierce days and dark grief.

Translated by Dmitriy Belyanin