Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG OF THE OPEN DOOR by BULAT OKUJAVA

First Line: WHEN SNOWSTORMS HOWL LIKE BEASTS AT NIGHT
Last Line: AND PADLOCKS AREN'T WORTH MAKING.

When snowstorms howl like beasts at night,
A raging growl unbroken,
Never shut your door up tight,
Let your door stand open.

If you must journey far away
Where hardship's bound to find you
You should make sure you leave that day
An open door behind you.

Departing in the silent night,
Not thinking of returning,
Make sure your soul has left a light
Among the pine logs burning.

There should be warmth in every wall
And comfort for the taking.
A closed door does no good at all
And padlocks aren't worth making.



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