Sasha Chorny
To А Depressed Friend

If you do not rejoice at the sun so brightly shining,
If a child’s funny face does not lighten your mood,
Think of poems by Pushkin, and Goethe, and Heine,
Of Beethoven’s concertos, and Chopin’s etudes.

There’s ingenious spirit in every small instance —
In inquisitive eyes or a witty remark
You can be the creator of their existence —
Stimulating the mind and igniting the spark!

It’s disgraceful to sink into total oblivion
In a fit of dismay, giving in to the blues —
Is it only the beasts who deserve earthly being?
Is tomorrow not worthy of starting anew?

If today I’m gloomy like soot from a chimney
(Please do smile, dear friend, at this simile mine!)
This is merely because fickle Muse has deceived me
My defeat is my only reason to whine.

Give me time! I’ll get used to my new whereabouts
And I’ll sing in full voice like a starling in spring!
Once my worthless old clutter is all sorted out,
I will joyfully dance to the wild gypsy strings!

Do not leave! Life relies on the kind and the honest…
Do not leave! For the sensitive ones are so few!
I don’t know how to find them, forsaken and nameless,
Lying low in the dust of their caves, just like you.

If the best of the humans plunge to death in despair,
Brainless pitiful dunces will ruin the Earth!
Taste the freedom of flight, unaware of fear…
Let your heart open up; let compassion go forth.

Whether you’re a brother, a friend or a spouse,
Whether you’re an artist, a doctor, a nurse,
Give them all that you have, not awaiting due praise,
Kindness is the sole key that fits any closed door.

When your mind seeks the solitude for contemplating
Find your island and savor the leisure alone.
On the cliffs, hanging over the waves’ undulating
You can ruminate quietly while skipping stones…

What about the questions, eternal and vital?
There aren’t any answers; so, abide by two rules
Wisely left by King Solomon to his disciples:
Run away from the blues - and don’t argue with fools.

Translated by Olga Dumer