Bulat Okudzhava
Time of youth will travel quickly...

Time of youth will travel quickly stealing days of happy charms.
What the fates have got in store inescapably comes your way.
One day something most admirable will tap upon your doorway;
One day something least desirable will fall into your arms.

Ah, preparing for the doomsday, don't be thrifty with your grace.
When it comes to love and kindness, do not save a single portion.
They won't give a broken penny for that sorrowful exertion;
Your vain efforts will deposit early lines upon your face.

Sadly youth is gone forever, sadly oldness will not dwell,
All is evident from here: head in sweat and soul in bruises.
On the other hand there will be no more puzzles or misuses,
Just the plane and steady roadway walked until the final bell.

Refrain:

Two lives are not given to live,
Two joys is a useless endeavor.
One thing of the two has to give,
This truth is as simple as ever.
For some it’s the going away
To music that trumpets recited;
For some it’s the fortunate day,
And they will be smiling, excited.

Translated by Evgenia Sarkisyants