Who cares that your old lady’s always nagging? Who cares that you are breaking out in hives? Who cares that, once again, you’re off the wagon? Be thankful that, at least, you’re still alive. Big deal - your only jacket doesn’t wear well. Big deal - the nightmares tortured you till five. Big deal - somebody mugged you in the stairwell. Be thankful that, at least, you’re still alive.
       
Yeah, yeah - your poker partner died of scurvy. Yeah, yeah - you’re looking pale and sleep-deprived. Yeah, yeah - you spent a week-end on a gurney. Be thankful that, at least, you’re still alive. So what if you’ve got footprints on your forehead? So what if your career just took a dive? So what if your cholesterol is horrid? Be thankful that, at least, you’re still alive.
       
No sweat - you never learned to play the fiddle. No sweat - another summons has arrived. No sweat - your head is hurting you a little. Be thankful that, at least, you’re still alive. It’s true that it’s my fault, and I am sorry. It’s true - you can’t achieve unless you strive. It’s true. I only have a single worry: To whom should I give thanks that I’m alive?
       
© Serge Elnitsky. Translation, 2003