Marina Tsvetaeva

I’ll die at dawn or daybreak! But at which of these lines,
Which I’ll die with – no decision by orders’ receiving!
Oh, if my torch would be blessed to extinguish two times –
So as to die with the light of the morning and evening!

The heaven’s daughter has passed with her gait of a dance!
Full is her apron of roses! And harmed is no sole!
I’ll die at dawn or daybreak! Our Great Father won’t cast
The hawk-like night on my swan-like and suffering soul!    

Having pushed off the un-kissed cross in some gentle style,
Into kind heights I will dart for the last greetings’ profit:
The sky light’s slot – and the slot of the answering smile …
- E’en in my death I will stay as was always – a poet!


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, November 9, 2004