Innokenty Annensky

There is such love that’s similar to smoke: 
If it is bound – it’s intoxicating,
Receiving freedom – vanished, not awaiting…
Be like the smoke – but in young years locked.

There is such love that’s similar to shade:
If it is day – lay by your feet – a hound,
If it is night – embraced you all around…
Be like the shade – together night and day…


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, February, 2001