BORIS PASTERNAK: "In Works Of Poets..."

"In Works Of Poets..."

In works of poets, shrewd and clever,
Such utter artlessness is proved,
Knowing which, one can’t help ever
But finish as the fully mute.

Gaining the kinship with all living
And knowledge of what future sends,  
One can’t help but – as into sinning – 
Fall into wonderful restraint.

But we would not have any pardon,
If do not hide from people that,
What they to have are most ardent,
But artful better understand.           


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, May, 2001