Do not argue my right to be different

Do not argue my right

To be different.

To speak,

Think

And to write

Not the way that you do.

I cannot

And would not be

Either false,

Or lay-figured.

Let me have

In excess

Reason,

Passion –

And will, too.

Human troubles

Have crossed swords in my days.

Scheduled fates

In a row …

I’ve no right to be heartless

In these times of hard claims

And to watch with indifference

Souls resisting a blow.

Destination enjoins me

To keep on

Being different.

To speak,

Think

And to write

Not the way that you do.

And my son

Will derive it from me –

As if mirrored –

To speak,

Think

And to argue aloud

Boldly you.

                                       Translated from Bulgarian by Georgi Venin