Zinaida Gippius. "In Vain"

Edward Munch
"Separation," 1896

I’ll hear and understand,
    still, remain silent.
Stay true to your heart,
    guard its keys.

My understanding may wound—
not from lack of love,
but because sorrow is yours,
and I am not you, nor you me.
Let no other cross
    the invisible threshold.
An open soul will die,
    like a plucked flower.

We are two separate existences.
We are mirrors—both you and I.
I’ll take it all, deepen it,
but in reflection—refract.

Your soul… Is it not precisely
    because of this
that I give it so much,
though your pain can never be mine?

To suffer is nobler alone.
Though I may pity and understand—
trust neither love nor pity,
do not open the sacred door.
Guard, guard its keys,
and suffocate—silently.

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