To be Myself

I’ve had advice from everyone I know,
It was bestowed most subtly and astutely.
And all I did was nod my head: "That’s so.
You’re right.... You’re right, old fellow,
                    absolutely!”
          One finger stiffly raised,
          they’d clutch me tight
By the lapel.
          “I’m grateful beyond measure.”
I never argued:
          “Yes... Yes, thank you....
                    Quite.”
It cost me nothing, and it gave them pleasure.
"I do agree.... I do... That’s really clever!...
Without a doubt!... Of course.... I’ll think it over....”
      The harder did they try to shape my mind,
The more to be myself was I inclined.

YEVGENI VINOKUROV
 (Translated by Irina Zhelezrova)