Aleksandr Blok

You�re gone away, and I�m in desert,
Pressing myself against hot sand.
But now my mouth can�t profess it -
The proud word that�s to be said.

I see my past without sadness �
I�ve understood your sacred heights:
Yes, you�re the Galilee, so precious
To me � non-resurrected Christ.

And let another you caresses,
Let multiply abuse and spread:
The Son of Man still never fathoms
Where�er to lay his own head.

Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, July, 2002