Wisdom
There are all kinds of people in the world, after all,
Translated from Uzbek · Original text
There are all kinds of people in the world, after all,To know each one of them is impossible, impossible.For one may wear a mask, his insides full of filth,While on the surface clear, pure water ripples.Where to laugh, and where to weep,Where it is good to be, and where not to be —Even, if need be, to beat one’s breast,How could one, after all, not do this?!He knows it all, and does it flawlessly,Even his laughter seems genuine.If you are at peace, if you are rich, if you give much,He will come into your presence smiling.But if your foot should suddenly slip,If, unawares, you fall into misfortune,You will lie in a dungeon, sighing and moaning,Expecting nothing at all from that “friend” of yours!For he is faithful only in times of good,For he is present only in times of ease.He will run only in keeping with this,At your weddings and your mournings, for this he is there.You will rise up, step by step,At times your head in the sun, at times damp at your feet.He will sense that a treasure awaits you,And fly around you, twirling and chirping.But he will not stretch out his hand to help,He will feign anguish on your behalf.Even pouring honey from his tongue without end,He will wish you good deeds and rewards.At times he will reveal a little envy,Then quickly hide it under a joke.Spreading a little mischief about your name,At times he will cross over to the enemy’s ranks.You simply know him through and through,You simply come face to face with him often.But you keep silent about him,You will not say, “This is what your nature is.”For he has no capacity for such words,For he cannot be worthy of attention.Only do not be deceived, with a carefree heart —Do not lean on him unawares in heedlessness.If you find the chance, keep entirely farFrom such people, cut yourself off entirely.Clearing your surroundings of dust and straw,Do not carry dead weight upon the wings of your life.If your strength is not enough to break away,Untie the knot that binds you, slowly, little by little —So that the drool of the lickspittle may not touch you,Exchange greetings, but never hold him close.Akrom MALIK
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