Don’t put your hand upon another’s shoulder

Don’t put your hand upon another’s shoulder.

This move is welcomed only in a dance.

The trust is animal that is much wilder.

It loves the silent coldness of a glance.

It loves the hours. Minutes. Years and days.

This weird creature fond of scars and pain.

It loves the distance and the unseen chain,

But don’t like touching and its flaming trace.

And in this garden, where nightingales sing,

It hears steps of hunters drawing near.

It waits for traps that lovely words can bring,

And plays this game with cunning, not a fear.

The sorrow and the winter of a soul!

You need this animal and crave to make it yours.

But don’t call him, please, don’t do it now.

It comes itself and gives desired cures.

Автор: Ліна Костенко («Не треба класти руку на плече…»)

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