L E V   R U B I N S T E I N
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TWO POEMS

 

Translated by Philip Metres and Tatiana Tulchinsky

 

 

A Program of Shared Tribulations

 

after reading, please pass this to a friend

 

1.
Are we ready for shared tribulations?

2.
If we are, then good.
If not, readiness will come on its own good time.

3.
At this moment we are interested only in this moment, and also everything that's connected with it.

4.
As we know, much is connected to this moment.

5.
Let's combine our efforts to define this moment most accurately.

6.
Let's apply a maximum effort for the most precise self-fixation of each person in the context of this moment.

7.
Aren't we fully aware of the fact that an attempt to find the rhythm-forming dynamic of this moment is an utterly agonizing process?
But aren't we doing our best?

8.
Attention!
A message will follow.

9.
Attention!
The author is among you.
      (Author)

10.
The fact that the author is among us imparts a unique meaning to this moment.

11.
However, this fact can easily be ignored. And not much will change.

12.
But the fact that at this precise moment we find ourselves in this precise place and in this precise company is quite beautiful.
Let's not forget about this.

13.
At times, any external impulse whatsoever might move us.
And at this very moment—what impulse is it?

14.
Most often, we experience imaginary events:
But at this very moment—the events are more than real.
Isn't that so?

15.
Occasionally, we ask ourselves various questions. Let's dwell on this one now:
What will happen next?

16.
We often don't know how to answer these and other questions.
But at this very moment we don't even have to answer.

17.
Quite often we don't know what to say to each other. At this moment, we know.

18.
At this moment we are silent.
But that doesn't mean that we have nothing to say.

19.
Sometimes we worry.
But at this moment we forget about all that.

20.
There are moments when we feel definitely out of sorts.
But not at this moment.

21.
Often, quite often, we don't know what's going on.
At this moment, we are sure that we know.
And, almost certainly, that's how it is.

22.
Attention!
A series of messages will follow.

23.
Attention!
The whole charm of this moment is in itself.
      (Author)

24.
Attention!
There is something in absolutely everything.
      (Author)

25.
Attention!
The artist is tied to the world of appearances, though it's not clear how.
      (Author)

26.
Attention!
A person not knowing how to act resembles God knows what.
      (Author)

27.
Attention!
The weary traveler thirsts for shelter.
      (Author)

28.
Attention!
The predominance of yearly seasons over parts of the world is becoming so evident that it kind of ceases to be the object of discussion.
      (Author)

29.
Attention!
Leaving home, surely, you expect to return.
      (Author)

30.
These messages are directed to us.
They are for us.
Who knows, perhaps they form the conceptual basis of this moment.

31.
Whatever is happening with us in this moment is not likely to repeat after it's done.

32.
Whatever we experience in this moment hardly yields to description, since one can only describe, with difficulty, vague guesses about the meaning of what's taking place.

33.
Whatever we experience at this moment will not fail to affect the future.

34.
Attention!
A message will follow.

35.
Attention!
The author thanks everyone for their sincere participation.
      (Author)

36.
We don't want to leave.
That's good.

 

n e x t

 

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