Ticket to Impeccability by Danil Rudoy

I

I asked for all I could desire.
I made a bid, began to wait.
There was a hellish, crimson fire,
And then it was already late.
A wicked shadow grew behind me;
I froze, I hearkened, I obeyed.
Death’s always there but to remind me:
One day I’ll be, like others, flayed.
The smell of smoke became addicting;
The pulse of reason hit the ground.
Who is the one and only victim
If only mirrors are around?

II

I thought I’ve done enough already,
But Death was thinking otherwise.
“Don’t fret,” it said. “Keep rocking steady:
You’ll grow appropriately wise.
And know: you often have to sever,
Because, no matter how sublime,
Each time you think that it’s forever,
It’s just another fucking time.”
“So, now?” I said, and the recital
Broke off. Death vanished. Dear Lord!
My interruption was not vital,
It could be easily ignored!

III

Of course, to get ahead and closer,
One must improve and improvise.
I scanned the mirrors… What a poser!
And all he’s wearing is disguise!
His hair is hanging like a fetter,
Thanks for not growing a mustache.
You’ve done all right. Next time, do better.
The wind will take away the ash.
Impeccability? A struggle
That, in the end, is worth the fight.
You’ve done all right. Relax and snuggle:
It’s time to bid the world good night.