Speaking In Tongues
Scribbling In Voices

Konstantin Simonov

Translated by Boris Leyvi

It happens timely to a man

To be the women's silent pal:

Benevolent, unsound fan,

All «just in case», the safety belt

That's hanging on the cabin's wall.

He ages and anticipates

To be put on, avert the fall —

The common of last minutes' aid.

While hanging me with careless hands,

Just know that I'm no belt, but stone,

And should you try to put me on,

You won't escape the harm, you'll drown.

1946