To a Poet
To a Poet - meaning Summary
Steadfast Solitary Vocation
Pushkin addresses a poet, warning that popular praise is fleeting and often followed by ridicule. He urges the artist to live solitary and firm, to follow freedom of mind and cultivate ideas without seeking external honors. True recognition comes from inner standards; the poet should judge his work severely and remain satisfied with his own efforts. Public condemnation and mockery should not sway the committed creator.
Read Complete AnalysesA poet! Do not prize the love of people around, It soon will pass -- the glorifying hum -- And come a court of fools and laughing of cold crowd -- But you must always stay firm, morose and calm. You're king: live lonesome. Along the freedom's road, Stride there, to where just shows your free mind, While modernizing fruits of thoughts, beloved, And not demanding you to be awarded. Awards inside of you. You are your highest court; Severely then all, you value your effort. Well, are you satisfied, oh, my severe artist? You're satisfied. Then let the mob condemn your verse, Spit at the altar, where your fire burns, And toss your brass tripod with somewhat childish wildness. Translated by Yevgeny Bonver
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