Boris Pasternak

I don’t deplore the homeless orphans’ dole –
Before them opened every road and lane; 
But the one, orphaned with one’s own soul,
Will never find the kindred heart again.

The one, lost wife or husband, isn’t forever
Unhappy, since will find another mate;
But, having lost faith in a human, never
We have from our life anything to wait.

The one, deceived in one’s deepest affection,
Will be forever free from any spell;
However hard may be the persuasion,
The one ne’er trusts in anything to fell.

The one’s alone, without hope any;
Not only people – all joys of the world –
Go round the one in a very cautious manner
And run away – and in afar self hold. 


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, February 6, 2005