Стихи капризного старика о быстротечности жизни
Прислал Феликс Липский
Когда этот старик (в оригинале речь идет о старушке) умер в доме престарелых в маленьком австралийском городке, все считали, что он ушёл из жизни, не оставив ничего после себя.
Позже, когда медсёстры разбирали его скудные пожитки, они обнаружили вот это стихотворение, которое потом публиковалось в журналах всего мира. Старик потрясает нас глубиной своей души.
После прочтения невозможно смотреть на пожилых людей прежними глазами.
| Перевод | Оригинал |
Входя, буди меня с утра, Не слышит – надрываться надо, Тарелку на пол опрокинул. За этой немощью и болью, ... Я мальчик! Непоседа милый, ...Вот мне шестнадцать, я горю! ...И вот он, мой счастливый миг! ...Мне тридцать пять, растёт семья, ...А жизнь летит, летит вперёд! Все! Упорхнули из гнезда ...Но мы с любимою вдвоём! ...Теперь уже мне шестьдесят. ...Померк внезапно. Солнца свет. ...Теперь живу я без затей, Крест старости взвалив на плечи, ...Но с этим следует смириться. ...и мальчик маленький, доселе |
What do you see, people, what do you see? What are you thinking, when you look at me A crabby old woman, not very wise. Uncertain of habit, with far-away eyes, Who dribbles her food and makes no reply. When you say in a loud voice "I do wish you'd try! Who seems not to notice the things that you do. And forever is losing a stocking or shoe. Who, unresisting or not; lets you do as you will. With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill. Is that what you're thinking, is that what you see? Then open your eyes, you're not looking at me. I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still! As I rise at your bidding, as I eat at your will. I'm a small child of 10 with a father and mother, Brothers and sisters, who loved one another. A young girl of 16 with wings on her feet, Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet. A bride soon at 20 – my heart gives a leap, Remembering the vows that I promised to keep. At 25 now I have young of my own Who need me to build a secure happy home. A woman of 30, my young now grow fast, Bound to each other with ties that should last. At 40, my young sons have grown and are gone, But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn. At 50 once more babies play around my knee, Again we know children, my loved one and me. Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead, I look at the future, I shudder with dread. For my young are all rearing young of their own. And I think of the years and the love that I've known. I'm an old woman now and nature is cruel, 'Tis her jest to make old age look like a fool. The body is crumbled, grace and vigor depart, There is now a stone where I once had a heart. But inside this old carcass, a young girl still dwells, And now and again my battered heart swells. I remember the joy, I remember the pain, And I'm loving and living life over again. I think of the years all too few – gone too fast, And accept the stark fact that nothing can last. So open your eyes, people, open and see, Not a crabby old woman, LOOK CLOSER, SEE ME.
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