Don't envy

DON'T ENVY

Don't envy, friend, a welthy man:
a rich man's life is spent
Without a friend or faithful love -
Those things he has to rent.

Don't envy, friend, a man of rank,
His power's based on force.

Don't envy, too, a famous man:
The man of note well knows
The crowds acclaim is not for him,
But for that thorny fame
He wrought with labour and with tears
So they'd be entertained.

But then, when young folk gather 'round,
So fine they are and fair
You'd think it's heaven, - ah, but look:
See evil stirring there...

Don't envy anyone my friend,
For if you like you'll find
That there's no heaven on the earth,
No more than in the sky.

Taras Shevchenko
Mirhorod, October 4th, 1845.
Translated into English by John Weir.

This is my favorite poem so far. Thank you, Natalia, from Ukraine.
Taras Shevchenko was born a serf, later buying his freedom, and would become a major influence to modern Ukrainian literature and language. At his time, Ukraine was not an independent country and was subject to the rule of the Russian Empire. Taras was a rewarded painter, poet and also made engravings. He was most upset by the serf condition of his family and people.

When I read the poem now, I can picture Taras growing disappointed by autocracy, privilege and Orthodox Catholic rule. His poetry may have been a means of unburdening his heart or of inspiring the youth.

See the Taras Shevchenko museum.

Until next weekend!