Velimir Khlebnikov
The Rejection

For me it’s much more pleasant
To look at the stars
Than to sing up a prisoner
To a death sentence.
For me it’s much more pleasant
To listen to the voices of flowers,
Whispering: «It’s he»
Bending their heads,
As I walk through the garden —
Than to see the black rifles
Of the guard
Killing those who want
To kill me.
That’s why I will never,
No, never, become the Governor!

Translated by Alexander Zorin