In a Nutshell

 

Sergei Yesenin (4 Oct. 1895 – 27 Dec. 1925)

* * *

 

I will not deceive myself, admitting

 I have worries in my heart, so dreary.

 Why am I reputed as a cheating

 Crook and trouble-maker, really?

 

 

 I am not a villain nor a thief in hiding,

 And I never shot imprisoned convicts.

 I am just a thoughtless idler, smiling

 Friendly and avoiding conflicts.

 

 

 I am a naughty reckless Moscow loner.

 All along the main street, and around,

 Every little dog in every corner

 Knows me by the way I tread the ground.

 

 

 Every jade I meet, rundown and hopeless,

 Gives me nods of hail and salutation.

 I am a friend of animals, my verses

 Are as good for them as medication.

 

 

 I don’t wear my hat to charm the ladies

 For I can’t stand featherbrained emotions.

 It’s convenient to use my hats as ladles

 Filling them with oats to feed the horses.

 

 

 I do not have friends among the people,

 It’s a different kingdom I am bound to.

 I will gladly give my tie to simple

 Shaggy dog I happen to encounter.

 

 

 From now on I will be safe and sound.

 In my heart a sunny day is breaking.

 That’s the reason why they tend to count

 Me to be a crook and trouble-maker.

 

 1922

Rate this post: Email this post:

Posted on August 28th, 2009 under English, Literature, Russian • Tags: English, Literature, poetry, Sergei Yesenin. • • RSS 2.0 feed • Leave a response, or trackback