Boris Slutsky
Forgiveness

Sins are forgiven for poetry.
Great sins for great poetry.
Even mortal sins are forgiven
when I write poetry with my whole soul.

But if people don’t forgive me while I’m still alive
Later they’ll smite oblivion from me.

Even though they’re evil-doers
let them remember [me]
for something good
not just for any old thing.
I ask the person who has knowledge and knows:
strike, but do not forget.
Kill, but do not forget.

Translated by Gerald S. Smith