Vadim Shefner

Do not be used to marvels, friend – 
Wonder at them, pray, wonder! 
Do not be used to heavens’ spread,
Just pull it your sight under.

Look after clouds in the sky,
Bend o’er the waters’ mirror,  
Listen to birds that jump and fly –  
None will again appear. 

At every step and every trice
Fall down in surprises. 
All will be thus – and yet not thus
After one instant passes.


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, April, 2001