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Open Poetry #6
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Master
Senior Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 1867
Boston, MA

0 posted 2000-02-07 05:56 PM


And yet another song/poem that i've translated. THis one is from V. Vysotsky a famous Russian bard.


If your friend just became a man,
Not a friend, not a foe,-- so-so,
When you cannot tell from the start,
If he’s strong in his heart, --
To the peaks take this man -- don’t fret!
Do not leave him alone, on his own,
Let him share the same view with you--
Then you’ll know if he’s true.

If the guy on the peak got weak,
If he lost all his care -- got scared,
Took a step on the frost -- got lost,
Tripped and screamed in exhaust, —
Then the one you held close is false,
Do not bother to yell-- expel, --
We can’t take those aboard, and in short
We don’t sing of his sort.

If the guy didn’t whine nor pine,
HE was dull and upset, but went,
And when you slipped from the cliff,
He heaved, holding you in his grip;
If he walked right along, seemed strong,
On the top stood like he belonged, --
Then, when the chances seem slim,
You can count on him!



[This message has been edited by Master (edited 02-08-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Andrey Kneller - All Rights Reserved
Master
Senior Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 1867
Boston, MA
1 posted 2000-02-07 07:54 PM


Sometimes, to really know whether your friendship is real or not, you have to put your friend in a difficult situation and see how he/she reacts. This is what the poem is about!
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

2 posted 2000-02-08 10:52 AM


Why, of course, that is what it is about!! Great wisdom in this, Master!  

Denise

Master
Senior Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 1867
Boston, MA
3 posted 2000-02-08 06:40 PM


Thank you Denise, personally this is one of my favorites of this poet.
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