Mayakovsky - Listen! Read by Oleg Basilashvili
Vladimir Mayakovsky
LISTEN!
Listen!
After all, if the stars are lit, does that mean someone needs them?
Does that mean someone wants them to exist?
Does that mean someone calls these spittle pearls?
And, straining himself
in the blizzards of midday dust,
he rushes to God,
fearing he's too late,
cries,
kisses his sinewy hand,
begs—
that there definitely be a star!—
swears he won't endure this starless torment!
And then
he walks around anxious,
but outwardly calm.
He says to someone:
"So, now you're okay?
Aren't you afraid?
Really?!"
Listen!
After all, if the stars
are lit, does that mean someone needs them?
So, is it necessary that every evening at least one star shines over the rooftops?!
[1914]