Innokenty Annensky

I watch you as coldly as never,
But can’t keep this pine in my breast,
Today sun’s in smoke of havens,
And sadness makes heavy a breath.

I know, I breed just a fable –
At least, trust to fables, -- but you?…
Like needless oblations, in alleys,
Leaves fall in the mournful hue.

We’re joined by the fate that was blinded:
Would God join us ‘there’ – behind sky?…
Don’t laugh, if in spring days, delighted,
You’ll step on the lives that here die.  


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, February, 2001