300 лет русской поэзии. Любовная лирика (на английском языке)

Poems from Russia
300 Hundred Years of Russian Poetry



(An Anthology of Literary Translations)
Translated and compiled by Alec Vagapov


Content

Alexander Sumarokov

My sighs, fly to my sweetheart...
You looked for me but now that time is gone for ever...
Sonnet

Vasily Zhukovsky

The Song
Her Voice from the Other World
Recollection

Konstantin Batushkov

Should you deplore the loss of youthful days?...
I swore I’d never fall in love…
Fatigued and worn, life in my frozen chest is fading…

Anton Delvig

Love
Don't say that love will come and go (Romance)...
Romance

Alexander Pushkin

The Night
Elegy
When I enfold your waist, my dove..
You and Thou
There`s fire of love inside me, burning...


Yevgeny Baratinsky

We are apart
Believe me…
Assuarance
Love


Tutchev


I love your eyes, my dear friend…
The Last Love
To me, as I recall, that day
I met you, and the bygone moments…


Alexey Tolstoy

Please don’t ask me questions and don’t wonder…
Don’t trust me when I say, in sorrow…
Since I’ve been all alone, since you have been so distant…

Appolon Maikov

My little girl, gone are the blessed amazing times…
It’s such a joy , it’s night and we are two…
The night was shining, and the grove was filled with light…

Lermontov

Farewell! For once it is so hard…
Though we have parted once for all…
The one I am in love with isn't really you…
Why

Blok

Let the dawn keep shining out…
We were together, I recall...
You were the fairest of all, no denying…
Although I have never loved…
I know your face so well, my fair…


Yesenin

You were crying on a quiet night…
It's sad to look at you, my love…
You don't love me and don't feel compassion…
Let's sit down here, my dearest…




------------------------------------
Alexander Sumarokov

(1717 - 1777)

Александр Сумароков

***
(translated by Alec Vagapov)

My sighs, fly to my sweetheart, I want you to explain
And tell her how I miss her and how I suffer pain.

Stay in her heart and soften her proud look , and then
Do not delay and linger, fly back to me again.

However, you should bring me good news from up above,
and give me her assurance that there is hope for love.

I will not sigh too long for I'm not that kind of man,
Such beauties are not rare, I'll find another one.

Translated
September 2007




Alexander Sumarokov

***
(translated by Alec Vagapov)

You looked for me but now that time is gone for ever,
And all the joy we shared is lost, as I can see.
You are unfaithful to me, and you lost my favour,
You're quite different from what you used to be.

My moans and grieves are torments
You know how it can be.
Recall the happy moments
When you did care for me.

Look at the places where you and I have dated
They'll help us to recall the way it used to be.
Where are my joys? Where is your passion, fated?
Theу're gone and never ever will come back to me.

Another life is here;
But did I wait for it?
Gone are my life, so dear,
My hope, and dream, so sweet.

I am unhappy to have met you, so elated,
It started with the painful torments that I feel,
I was unhappy to be charmed by you and tempted
And worst unhappy to adore and love you still.

You caused an inflammation
And heated up my blood.
Why have you turned affection
To enmity, so hard?

But what's the use of worrying and grieving
When, having lost my freedom, my passion I retain.
And what's the use of blaming and revealing,
You do not love me - all my arguments are vain.

You've overwhelmed me, really,
Forgetting all at one:
The way you loved me dearly,
The time when we had fun.

Translated
September, 2007




Alexander Sumarokov

Sonnet
(translated by Alec Vagapov)

My fair girl, don't waist your time for nothing, easily,
Love someone, - all is vanity without love,
Be nice and good, don't lose the charm you have,
So you might not regret you've lived a life of misery.

Love while you're young and while your heart is ardent:
You'll change when youth is gone, I should presume.
Twine wreaths while flowers in the garden bloom,
Take walks in spring, in autumn you'll be saddened.

Look at the rosy flower, view it at the time
When it has grown dim and faded, past its prime.
Likewise, your charm will fade and disappear,
so do not waste your time before you've seen your day

Remember, nobody will ever look at you, my dear,
When, like the rose, you fade and waste away.

October 2007


V. A. Zhukovsky
(1783-1852)

(translated by Alec Vagapov)


V.A. Zhukovsky

The Song

(translated by Alec Vagapov)


You loved me filling me with joy and admiration,
My life was flowing like a fascinating dream.
You have forgotten me - where is the fortunate perception?
Oh yes, your love was my felicity, I deem!

I was beloved, inspired by you and cherished,
I sang, and by your praise I breathed and lived.
You have forgotten me, my instant grant has perished -
Oh yes! Your love was my endowment and gift!

You loved me , and my hand conveyed donation
To the abode of misery and need.
You have forgotten me without consolation!
Oh yes! Your love was my benevolence and treat!

Translated
October , 2007
V.A. Zhukovsky

Her Voice from the Other World
(translated by Alec Vagapov)


Don't ask me where I'm bound to, my dear,
And what the bourn is that I have passed.
My friend, I have done everything while living here,
I've been in love till I have breathed my last.

Have they come true, my hopes and expectations?
Compose yourself, my heart is not belied.
All has come true , without deviation,
This world is fine, and I'm by your side.

My friend, great things are not in vain, it's clear,
Be firm, and they will never put you in a hole.
And everything will find response, my dear,
Your thoughts, your sighs, your bearing and all.

Don't grieve: the past will be with you as ever;
You cannot see me but our world is one.
Be faithful to me , heart and soul, with favour,
And finish what we started, on your own.

Translated
October, 2007




Vasily Zhukovsky

Recollection
(translated by Alec Vagapov)


Gone are you days of charm and fascination!
My heart will never see the like of you!
Your trace is in the pangs of recollection
I wish I could forget you, love, I do!

My wish is often turned to you, my fair -
I try but cannot hold the tears of love!
Reliving you is a distressed affair!
Forgetting you is over and above!

Replace, you grief, my hopes and expectations!
My joy is tears for the happy end!
I'll die from memories and recollections!
Can I survive forgetting you, my friend?!

October 2007



Konstantin Batushkov
(1787-1855)
(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)

Konstantin Batushkov


***
(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)


Should you deplore the loss of youthful days?
You haven’t changed, in all your splendour,
With time your charming grace
Has come to be more glamorous and tender.

Your friend does not appreciate
The art of love, mysterious and pleasing,
Her eyes are silent, lifeless and inanimate
Her kiss is shy , without feeling.

But you, great mistress of my love,
Will even breathe in passion
in a boulder,
and in the prime of your unfading life
the flame in living blood will never moulder.

1815
Translated on April 8th, 2008


Konstantin Batushkov
(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)

***

I swore I’d never fall in love,
I’ll keep my word as I‘ve declared.
You want to know the truth, my dove?
Well I’m .. already feeling scared!

November 17th, 1811
Translated on April 8th, 2008



Konstantin Batushkov
(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)

***
Fatigued and worn, life in my frozen chest is fading
And that’s the end of strife, the end of everything!
Kyprid and Eros, torments to my heart you bring!
Just listen to my dismal voice before its ending.

I’m fading, and I’m bearing the pain:
I’m half alive but I am burning,
I’m fading, but I’m in love again,
I’m dying, without hope, but yearning!

Likewise, the alter flame enfolds the prey
And, turning pale, all of a sudden flashes,
As if reviving on the final day
It withers fading on the ashes.

1817-1818
Translated April 10th, 2008






Anton Delvig
1798-1731
(translated by Alec Vagapov)


Anton Delvig

Love
(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)



Well, what is love? A rambling dream,
The link of charm and admiration!
And you, in reverie and aspiration,
Now moan in agony, now seem

To doze, absorbed in golden slumbers,
And stretch your hand to dreams ahead
Forgetting all your drowsy rambles,
Unwell, and with a heavy head.

Translated
November, 2007



Anton Delvig

Romance


Don't say that love will come and go,
Your friend suggests that you forget it,
He thinks that it's eternal, so
His happiness, he says he'll bet it.

Why should my soul suppress the will
That flashed and seized me suddenly,
Now let me give myself, and humbly,
All to your tenderness and thrill.

Why should I suffer? What has love
Donated me from up above?
Except for wounds and bitter tear,
Except for sorrow, pain and fear?

Though love is not a lasting thing
I'll never see it kiss the ground,
I'll die with it like the sad sound
Of an abruptly broken string.

Translated
November, 2007

Anton Delvig

Romance

Oh what a lovely, happy day!
There's love, the sun, the plain!
The shadows all have gone away
My heart is light again.
Wake up, you groves and fields, and see
That all is filled with life!
She's mine! - my heart is telling me,
She's mine, and all is live.

Why do you, little swallow cling
Onto to my windowpane?
Perchance, you sing about the spring
Inviting love again?
It's not for me, as I can see,
The singer's love, divine.
It is my heart who's telling me:
She's mine, oh yes she's mine!

1823

Translated November 2007



Alexander Pushkin
1799-1837

(translated by Alec Vagapov)

Alexander Pushkin

The Night
(translated by Alec Vagapov)

My voice for you, so tender and so languorous,
Disturbs the silence of the night time darkness.
I am in bed, the candle by my side
Is burning sadly; and my poems flow and slide,
Like springs of love they `re filled with you, my dear,
Your eyes, they glisten right before me here,
They smile, and I can hear the sound of your voice:
My friend, I love you... I am yours... I am yours...

Translated
December, 2007






Alexander Pushkin

Elegy

(translated by Alec Vagapov)

The reckless years of faded joy and laughter
Are hard on me like a disturbing morning after.
The pain of bygone days, however, just like wine
Is getting stronger in my heart with time.
My way is sad. The coming troubled sea as ever
Will bring me grief and dreary endeavour.

But I don't want to die, I want to live
And be with you, my friends, and think and grieve;
I know that off and on I'll have enjoyment
Amidst the daily cares, suffering and torment:
I will indulge in harmony and now and then
I'll cry over my fantasy again.
And , maybe, on the last and mournful trial
My love will sparkle with a parting smile.

Translated
December 12, 2007






Alexander Pushkin

***
(translated by Alec Vagapov)

When I enfold your waist, my dove,
As an expression of affection
And utter tender words of love
To you , my friend, with admiration
You put my arms aside in silence
To free your supple waist from grasp,
And I can read upon your countenance
A smile of doubt and mistrust.
And bearing carefully in mind
The bitter talk of fornication
Without notice and attention
You listen sadly, deaf and blind...
I curse the faithless aspirations
Of my felonious days of youth
And agonizing expectations
Of our night time rendezvous.
I curse the words of love and sentiment,
The magic melody of verse,
The petting of the trusting girls,
The tears they cried and late resentment.

11 января, 2008 г.




Alexander Pushkin

You and Thou
(translated by Alec Vagapov)

She used the hearty thou, by chance,
Instead of you, so stiff and formal,
Arousing happy dreams at once
Inside my loving heart and soul.
I'm standing speechless in a glow
Admiring her sincerely;
I tell her: you are charming, really!
I think inside: I love thee so!

17 января 2008 г.




Alexander Pushkin

***
(translated by Alec Vagapov)

There`s fire of love inside me, burning,
You've hurt the heart and soul of mine,
Keep kissing me: your kisses, darling
Are sweeter than good myrrh and wine.
Now cling to me, come closer, dear,
And let me sleep in quiet, here,
Until the sunrise breaks the day
And night-time shadows flow away.

20 января 2008 г.






Alexander Pushkin

***
(translated by Alec Vagapov)


I loved you so, and, maybe, my affection
Has not yet faded, living as afore,
But now you're free from worry and vexation,
I do not want to grieve you any more.
I loved you hopelessly, in silence, really,
Now torn with jealousy, now shy as kid.
I loved you so sincerely, so dearly, -
God grant that someone loves you like I did.


Translated
January 26, 2008



Yevgeny Baratinsky
(1800-1844)
(translated by Alec Vagapov)


Yevgeny Baratinsky

We Are Apart
(translated by Alec Vagapov)


Now in the wake of our separation
It seems, my life has been the twinkle of an eye;
I will no longer breathe in love, and I
Won't hear the words of love and adoration.
I`ve lost my love and everything I had;
I fell asleep.. my dreams dissolved that instant!
My happiness now seems to be so distant,
It's gone. I am confused and sad.
.
.Translated
March 15th, 2008


Yevgeny Baratinsky

***

Believe me, dear, you are more than fame to me,
Or should I say, I'm bored with inspiration  :
For it impedes me, with its stir and agitation,
To take the air of love in silence and be free!
I give my heart to our cordial relation:
Disperse my dreams, my dear friend,
Caress me, do caress me, and
Subdue the muse and the rebellious affection!

Translated
March 14th, 2008




Yevgeny Baratinsky

Assurance

Oh no, the rumours tell you lies,
I live and breathe with you as ever,
With years you haven’t lost the ties
Which I have no intent to sever.
I’ve always had you in my heart
Though acting like a homage giver,
I worshiped others but I had
The cautions of an old believer.

1824
April 4th, 2008




Yevgeny Baratinsky

Love

Love is a poison with a flavour,
Though sweet, it’s poison anyway,
And for the instant joy and favour
Long lasting grief is what we pay.

The flame of love is vivifying,
They say it, but , in fact, we see:
It’s ravaging and rather trying
And ruining the soul for me!

For who will crush the memories
Of joys and painful reveries
And your amazing days, love, too?
I would revive to feel elation,
Enjoy the youthful exaltation
And open up my heart to you.

1824
Translated April 4th, 2008






Fyodor Tutchev

(1803-1873)

Fyodor Tutchev
(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)

***
I love your eyes, my dear friend,
With their game of flaming wonder
When suddenly you look up, and
Like lightening from the heaven yonder
You glance, your stare so intent.

But there’s a charm I value higher,
When you look down as we kiss,
The instant we are both afire,
And through the lashes see the bliss
Of gloomy flame of faint desire.

1836
Translated April 8th, 2007


Fyodor Tutchev

The Last Love
(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)

Oh how in our declining years
We love with tenderness and bias!…
Keep shining, farewell light, oh yes,
Shine on, you light of final love of ours!

There‘s only light there in the west,
Half of the sky is in a cloud,-
Slow down, evening, don’t make haste,
Continue, charm, do not die out.

The blood in veins may be abating,
But tender heart will always flare…
Last love, you’re really amazing!
You’re both enjoyment  :and despair…


Between 1852-1854
Translated April12th, 2008














Fyodor Tutchev

(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapo)

***

To me, as I recall, that day
Was morning of my life’s new way,
She stood in silence, I am retrieving,
Like tidal wave her chest was heaving,
Her cheeks aglow were turning red
Like sunrise glare overhead!
Then, like the risng sun, abruptly
Sweet word of love came out heartily…
And hearing the golden word
I got to know the brand-new world!

1830
Transl;ated April 15th, 2008




Fyodor Tutchev

(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)

***

I met you, and the bygone moments
Awakened in my fainted heart;
The good old times, like golden omens,
Warmed up my soul, giving a start…

It’s like in autumn, way belated,
A day, or hour, comes to pass
When breath of spring comes, unexpected,
And… something palpitates in us.

And wholly filled with inspiration
By all those hearty years and dates
With long forgotten exultation
I look at your amazing traits…

Like after years of separation
I stare at you, as if in dreams, -
And now… I hear the augmentation
Of never ending sounds, it seems.

It’s not just simple recollection,
It’s life that has begun to chat, -
The same old charm and admiration,
The same old love deep in my heart!

July 26th, 1870
Translated April 22, 2008




Alexey Tolstoy
(1817-1875)

(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)


Alexey Tolstoy
(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)


***

Please don’t ask me questions and don’t wonder,
Please don’t rack your brains and do not ponder,
Why I really love you,
And how I really love you,
What I love you for and for how long,
If you are my sister or my dear spouse,
If you are my baby or my little child…

I am not aware, I don’t know my dear,
What your real name is, and what they really call you;
There are many flowers in the open meadow,
There are many starlets up on high in heaven,
And I cannot name them,
I just can’t make out, I just have no power…
When I fell in love with you I did not ask questions,
And I didn’t wonder, and I didn’t ponder,
I just fell in love with you,
Thoughtlessly and rashly!

October 30th, 1851









Alexey Tolstoy
(translated from the Russian by Alec Vagapov)

***
Don’t trust me when I say, in sorrow,
That I don’t love you any more;
Don’t trust the sea at ebb, - tomorrow
The tides will come back to the shore.

I long for you, my dear lady,
I’ll give my freedom back to you.
From far away the waves already
Are running back as they were due!

Summer 1856





Alexey Tolstoy

(Translated by Alec Vagapov)

***

Since I’ve been all alone, since you have been so distant,
When I am lost in thought, in troubled doze, my soul
Is wide awake, so bright, and on the instant
I think you are my nearest and dearest of all.

The sister of my soul, you smile with comprehension
Your quiet timid face is closely turned to me,
And filled with agonizing joy and exaltation
Your loving eyes in troubled doze I see.

And if, this instant, you are dozing full of bother,
I wonder if you think in harmony with me,
And if the hazy image of your brother,
Turned close to me, is that what you see…

1858


Appolon Maikov

(1821-1897

Appolon Maikov
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)


***

My little girl, gone are the blessed amazing times,
The days of fragrant lilacs, water-lilies, limes;
No more the trills of nightingales, no songs of oriole…
You won’t twine garlands any more, my girl,
Nor crown your head with nice forget-me-nots,
Nor walk on dew at sunrise in retired spots,
Nor have a chance at dawn to stop and stare
At clouds of steam over the lake, as light as air,
With stars that look into the mirror through the haze
And fluffy moss that spreads like early snow and glaze
Resembling heather shrubs and multi-coloured flowers.
And you’re the same as ever, lively and so nice…
I like the way you quickly run into my house
Tired after running, heated, cold as ice,
And, shaking off the snow from curly hair,
You smile and kiss me tenderly, my fair!

1841
Translated July 15th, 2008





Appolon Maikov
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)


***

The night was shining, and the grove was filled with light.
The rays were underfoot, with all the lights put out,
The piano was uncovered, with trembling strings inside,
Our hearts were also trembling to the mellow sound.

You sang all night, till sunrise, crying your heart out
About love, the only love on earth you knew
Oh how I whished I would live on and hear the sound,
And love and hug you fondly crying over you.

It’s been a tedious time, so long and boring,
And now I hear your voice, in darkness, from above,
And, like before, in these vibrating sighs it’s blowing
That you’re the only one, my only life and love,

That there is no offence, nor heart’s regrets and doubts,
Life will go on and on, and all I want to do:
Is trust in you, my dear, and in your sobbing sounds,
And love and hug you fondly crying over you!


August 2, 1877
Translated
July 16th, 2008












Appolon Maikov
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)


***

It’s such a joy , it’s night and we are two
The river is like mirror glittering with stars;
Up there… look and see, oh what a view:
So deep and pure is expansion over us!

Well, call me crazy, mad, insane, my dove,
I am out of my mind, deranged, this hour,
And in my heart I feel such burst of love,
I can’t keep silent, it’s beyond my power!

I’m sick, I am in love, I pine and yearn for you, -
Just listen, understand - I don’t conceal my fervour,
I want to tell you that I love you, yes I do,
You are the only one whom I desire and favour!

1854

Translated
July 17th, 2008




Mikhail Lermontov
(1814 -1841)
(translated by Alec Vagapov)


Mikhail Lermontov

***
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)

Farewell! For once it is so hard
Upon my chest. I am alarmed and how!
Farewell!- these letters break my heart,
They take away what I'm in love with now!
I'll see the beauty of her eyes, and, maybe, I'm
To see her for the last an final time!

March 3d, 2008



Mikhail Lermontov

***
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)

Though we have parted once for all
I keep your portrait on my chest
It gladdens both my heart and soul
Like feeble ghost of bygone years.

I love your image so divine
Although new passions I have got.
Like empty shrine is still a shrine,
And conquered idol is still God!

March 1, 2008







Mikhail Lermontov

***
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)


The one I am in love with isn't really you,
Your charm is not for me, as it appears,
I love in you the bygone pain and tears
And the departed youth that I went through.
And when, my friend, at times, I look at you,
When deep into your eyes I do intently stare
I hold a magic conversation, I declare!
But you are not the one that I'm talking to.
I talk with an engaging girl-fiend of my youth,
And in your face I look for other features,
The living lips are silent now and speechless,
And in the eyes the fire has died down,in truth.

Translated

March 17th, 2008

Mikhail Lermontov

Why
(translated by Alec Vagapov)

I'm sad because I love you, and I know
The rumours and the common talk that spread and grow
Won't spare your blooming youth, my dear,
And you will have to pay with pain and tear
For every happy moment, every sunny day.
I'm sad... because you're cheerful and gay.

Translated
February 8th, 2008




Alexander Blok
1880-1921

(translated by Alec Vagapov)

Alexander Blok
* * *
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)


Let the dawn keep shining out,
Let the warbler sing at night,
How I wish I was allowed
To embrace and hold you tight!

Our boat will float with blessing
In the canes with rustling leaves,
You will cling to me, caressing,
Heated passion on your lips.

Sing, my love, and let the air
Flow with the amazing song,
You"re more beautiful and fair
Than the bird that sings along.

May 1898 (March 3, 1921)




Alexander Blok
* * *
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)

We were together, I recall...
The night was thrilled, the fiddle singing...
You were mine, my kindly soul,
The loveliest of all in being....

Through murmur of the brook in peace,
Through the mysterious female giggle
The lips were longing for a kiss,
The heart for sound of the fiddle...

March 9th, 1918



***

You were the fairest of all, no denying,
Please, don"t curse me and, pray, don"t disgrace!
My train, like the song of a gipsy, is flying,
Like those irrevocable days...

What I loved is gone by, disappeared...
Up ahead is a hidden way...
Unforgettable, blessed and revered,
Irretrievable... pardon me, pray!

1899-1918


Alexander Blok
* * *
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)

Although I have never loved,
And to break my oath I'm bound,-
Whenever I see you around
You stir up my soul and my blood!

Your hands, they are far and yonder !
Into these boring days
You bring your charm and your grace
Even when we are asunder!

In my abode, not warm,
Desolate, cold and abandoned,
And in my dream ever bounded
I see the forsaken home.

I dream about old instants,
As well as the bygone days...
It seems that my thoughts and ways
Are bound with your existence!

Whoever might call I won't come
And have the fussy caresses
Instead of the hopeless cases.
So I withdraw and keep mum.

December 14th, 2006

Alexander Blok
* * *
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)

I know your face so well, my fair,
It feels like you have lived with me.
At home, at parties, - everywhere
Your dainty look is what I see.

Your footsteps follow me wherever
I go or happen to be in.
Somebody chases me as ever
Isn't it you , - the one I mean?

It's you who flashes by, my fair,
The moment I am at the door,
Invisible, and light as air,
Like an amazing dream I saw.

I saw you in the graveyard, dear,
You sat in silence, looking blue,
A maid in cotton kerchief here,
I wonder, was it really you?

I came up closer, you were sitting,
As I approached you went away.
When by the river you were singing
The bells responded with a play.

The sound of ringing filled the air
I waited humbly and I cried...
Behind the sound of chimes, however,
Your voice had faded out and died.

And in a while I hear no answer.
The kerchief flashes up ahead.
I sadly hope there is a chance that
Some day we'll see each other yet.

November 19th, 2006





Sergei Yesenin
1895 -1925

(Compiled and translated by Alec Vagapov)

Sergei Yesenin
***
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)

You were crying on a quiet night,
Those tears in your eyes you weren't hiding,
I was so sad and so depressed inside,
And yet we couldn't overcome misunderstanding.

Now you are gone, I'm here, on my own,
My dreams have faded, losing tint and colour,
You left me, and again I am all alone,
Without tenderness and greeting, in my parlour.

When evening comes I often, crowned with rue,
Come to the place of our dating here,
And in my dreams I see the sight of you
And hear you crying bitterly, my dear.

1912-1913




Sergei Yesenin
***
(Translated by Alec Vagapov)

It's sad to look at you, my love,
And it's so painful to remember!
It seems, the only thing we have
Is tint of willow in September.

Somebody's lips have outworn
Your warmth and body trepidation,
As if the rain was drizzling down
The soul, that stiffened in congestion.

Well, let it be! I do not dread.
I have some other joyous gala.
There's nothing left for me except
For brown dust and grizzly colour.

I've been unable, to my rue,
To save myself, for smiles or any.
The roads that have been walked are few
Mistakes that have been made are many.

With funny life and funny split
So it has been and will be ever.
The grove with birch-tree bones in it
Is like a graveyard, well I never!

Likewise, we'll go to our doom
And fade, like callers of the garden.
In winter flowers never bloom,
And so we shouldn't grieve about them.

1923





Sergei Yesenin
***
(Translated by Alec Vagap[ov)
You don't love me and don't feel compassion
Don't you think that now I look my best?
Though you look aside you're thrilled with passion
As you put your arms upon my chest.

You are young , so sensitive and zealous,
I am neither bad nor very good to you.
Tell me, did you pet a lot of fellows?
You remember many arms and lips? You do?

They are gone and haven't touched you any,
Gone like shadows, leaving you aflame.
You have sat upon the laps of many,
You are sitting now on mine, without shame.

Though your eyes are closed, and you are rather
Thinking of some one you really trust,
After all, I do not love you either,
I am lost in thought about my dear past.

Don't you call this zeal predestination,
Hasty tie is thoughtless and no good,
Like I set up this unplanned connection,
I will smile when leaving you for good.

You will go the pathway of your own
Just to have your days unwisely spent,
Don't approach the ones not fully grown,
Don't entice the ones that never burnt.

When you walk with someone down the alley
Chatting merrily about love and all
Maybe, I'll be out, walking round shyly,
And again, by chance, I'll meet you, poor soul.

Squaring shoulders, ravishing and winning,
Bending slightly forward, with an air kiss,
You will utter quietly: Good evening!
And I will reply: Good evening, miss.

Nothing will disturb my heart and spirit,
Nothing will perturb me giving pain,-
He who's been in love will not retrieve it,
He who's burnt will not be lit again.

December 4th, 1925




Sergei Yesenin
***
(Translated by Alec Vagap[ov)

Let's sit down here, my dearest,
Look and see how much I care.
I will listen to the tempest
Under your submissive stare.

All this golden vegetation
And this fair lock of hair,-
They have come just like salvation
Of the loafer free of care.

Long ago I left my village
With the blooming fields and thicket,
Tempted by the city image
And the life of fame, so wicked.

So I buried in oblivion
Orchard, summer I enjoyed
Where I, to the frogs' singing,
Raised myself to be a poet.

Autumn with the golden branches...
Maple, lime-trees, taking pleasure,
Stick their twigs inside, like clutches,
Searching for someone they treasure.

They are gone, our dear losses,
In the homely yard the crescent
Marks with beams of light on crosses
That we'll join them in the basement.

Going trough the troubles wholly
We shall go like this to welkin.
All the winding roads are only
For the living beings welcome.

Come, sit down here , my dearest,
Let me look into your face.
I will listen to the tempest
Under your submissive gaze.

1923