Mikhail Svetlov
A Toast

I've bad a name ever since birth,
Cherished my own opinion...
Believe me, friends, I’m most averse
To pass into oblivion.

It’s not that, when my body’s old,
I'll grudge the good earth having it.
My great love is inspiring life
In things that are inanimate.

The river bears a boat along
Of homeward-sailing fishermen.
You write the lyrics of a song -
The river comes to life again!

Dense woods? We’ll have the old ones at
Our modern wonders marvelling:
The forest shelter belts will start
To sing in sweeter harmony.

Shall soldiers not have rhyming quips?
They’re simple and applaudable,
They don’t need oiling, polishing,
They’re innocent and cordial.

No manuscript long laid to rest
In the bottom drawer of History,
Speed, lively verse, on the high wave-crest
Of Communism glistening!

A toast to youth, friends, let us raise,
To needs of top priority!
To cope with all the tasks they face
They need a poet, and poetry!

Translated by Peter Tempest