Helplessness Poem by Zinaida Nikolayevna Gippius

I look at a sea - the greedy one and fervent,
Chained to the earth, on the depleted shore…
Stand by a gulf - over the endless heavens,
And could not fly to azure, as before.

I didn't decide to join or slaves, or rebels,
Have no a courage nor to live, nor - die…
I feel my God - but cannot say my prayers,
I want my love - but can't find love of mine.

I send to sun my worship and my groan,
I see a sheet of clouds, pale and cold…
What is a truth? It seems to me, I know, -
But for the truth I have not the right world.

Translated by Yevgeny Bonver