HAMLET

by Gugo Veles

(Russian original by B. Pasternak)

Once again I’m on the stage. I’m beaten.

Leaning heavily against the wooden gate

I can hear in a distant echo

Prophecies of my impending fate.

All is dark. The night is peering harder,

Pointing its binoculars at me.

If you only can, my Holy Father,

Take this cup away and set me free.

Yes, I love the plot and I’m not sorry

To have played for years this part for Thee.

But this time it is a different story,

Just this once, I beg, please let me be.

But the cruel lines have all been written

And the end will once again be grim.

Everything has drowned in this treason.

I’m alone. Life’s nothing like a dream.