Listen!

If the stars are lit—

does it mean someone needs it?

Does it mean someone wants them to be?

Does it mean someone calls these specks

pearls?

And, tearing himself through

storms of midday dust,

bursts in to God,

fears he’s late,

cries,

kisses His sinewy hand,

begs—

that there be a star!

swears—

he cannot bear this starless torment!

And later,

he walks troubled,

but outwardly calm, telling someone:

“Now you’re alright?

You’re not afraid anymore? Yes?!”

Listen!

If the stars are lit—

does it mean someone needs it?

Does it mean it’s essential

that every evening

at least one star

lights up above the rooftops?!

— Vladimir Mayakovsky, 1914