Sergey Esenin
Life is tricky with enchanting pathos...

Life is tricky with enchanting pathos
That is why it is so powerful, and
It composes its pernicious letters
With its outrageous, rugged hand.

When I close my eyes I tacitly declare:
Touch your heart and you will plainly see,
Life is fraudulent, but here and there
It embellishes deceit with trickery.

Now look up and face the silver heaven,
Read your fortune by the moon and plead,
Just calm down, mortal man, don't raven
The eternal truth you do not need.

Well, it's nice to think in spring so crowned,
That this life has been the righteous way.
Let your easy girlfriends get around,
Let the boys delude you and betray.

Let the girls caress me, I'll abide it,
Let the vicious tongues be sharp and thin, —
I have long been living all provided,
I've got mercilessly used to everything.

Highness chills my heart. I'm feeling daunted.
And the stars are cold, unlike they used to be.
Those I used to love are disappointed,
Those I worshiped have forgotten me.

Though I'm ostracised and censured here,
Yet I keep on smiling, not depressed at all...
Living in this world, so near and dear,
I am grateful to my life for all.

Translated by Alec Vagapov