Descent Poem by Hovhannes Toumanian

For forty long years I follow one path,
Straight and fearless
Ascending
Towards a bright world, the Holy Unknown.
For forty long years by that dread path
I have travelled thus,
And now at last
Have reached
Tranquility.
I have left down there, at the mountain’s foot
Glory and wealth,
Grudge and envy,
Everything that oppressed the soul.
And all the things
That I view again
From my mountain heiahts
Look so worthless and meagre.
Now, richer in wisdom, my burden light,
With carefree laughter,
Song and canticle
I descend from the mountain's other side.


1909