HAMLET

 

(Boris Pasternak, from "Dr Zhivago", 1958; English translation © G. Veles, 2021)

 

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I am on the stage. The noise has cleared,

Leaning heavily against the wooden gate,

In a distant echo I can hear

Prophesies of my impending fate.

 

All is dark. The night is peering harder,

Pointing its binoculars at me,

If you can allow it, Abba, Father,

Keep 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 another story,

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

 

But the cruel lines have been unsparing,

And the outcome is always dark.

The pharisaism is overbearing.

Living life is no walk in the park.