Anna Akhmatova

Our fate, so wonderful and bold,
Called us ‘priestess of the God’s turmoil’,
But I know that we’ll be atoned
For keep watching pillories in whole,

For a date with him who brought offenses, 
For a love him who didn’t ever call,
Just look there!… It gorgeously commences –
Our black and bloody masked ball!…


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, December, 2000