Leonid Martynov
They still fear...

They still
Fear
The heights:
It’s easy to fall from a height, they say,
And better not climb so high...

They still
Fear simplicity:
Simply, they say, you can’t agree.

They still
Fear
Nakedness,
Though fig leaves
Make a comic covering.

They still
Fear
Beauty,
Fear its contact:
It’s hard to know, they say,
As though beauty’s radiant features
Looked double to the eyes.

Hence — they keep vigils and fast.

O simpleton
You,
Please try and understand:
In the rags and tatters of would-be poverty,
You line up for crumbs,
When all around your riches,
Your treasures, lie hidden,
Your works,
Your dreams.

Translated by George Reavey