Boris Slutsky
Bad times are good because...

Bad times are good because
they help the qualities of the soul to show themselves,
— executions, war,
famine, pestilence, bad times.

While you’re still in one piece, while you’re fed and healthy,
haven’t been summoned to the courts, haven’t called the doctors,
your ceiling and purpose are unknown,
your parameters are unclear while you’re still in one piece.

When you’ve been hit, when you’re being shaken up,
lice eating at you, court tormenting you,
you would rather have everyday life than higher being.
It all becomes clear when you’ve been hit.

But sometimes your entire being
nonetheless prefers higher being
and disaster loses its power over people
when this happens, sometimes.

Translated by Gerald S. Smith