Vladislav Khodasevich

My ear is shocked by every noise,
My eye – by light of sun or fire,
My spirit launched its cutting growth,
Like a tooth – through gums which swelled entire.

It will break through and leave at once, 
The former covering it sphere,
And with his thousands bright eyes,
Will rush in night – not one that’s here.

And I’ll be here left and laid  – 
A banker, killed by a thug, meanest,
To press my wound by freezing hands,              
To cry and writhe in your existence.


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, December, 2000