Sasha Chorny
Consolation

Is life colorless? We have to
Be quite persevering
Twice a year, my bosom buddy,
You can triumph like a king...

If, by any chance, somewhere, —
Masquerade or somewhere else,
In a carriage platform, sort of,
Upper deck, or such a place,

You encounter a person
A noble and a simple one,
Absolutely independent.
Strong, intelligent, live man,

Go and buy some Bengal lights, and
Order flourish to a band,
Rub yourself with rose oil liquid,
Take a liqueur shower and

Wear a dress coat for a fortnight,
Give out alms to those in need
Laugh with bitter perturbation,
Cry for joy, perform a deed.

Once or twice a year — it's serious,
Three and five times — if it's good.
All you've got to have, my dear,
Is persistence and pursuit.

Translated by Alec Vagapov