I knew you were dreaming of me,

that’s why I couldn’t get to sleep.

The murky lamp hazed blue

and showed me the road.

You saw the Tsaritsa’s garden,

the intricate white palace,

the black tracery of the fences

by the echoing stone steps.

You walked, not knowing the way,

and thought, “Quicker, quicker.

If only I could find her.

I must not wake before I meet her.”

The sentry by the great gates

called out: “Where are you going?”

The ice crackled and broke,

water blackened under foot.

This lake—you thought—

there is a little island in the lake …

Suddenly a blue flame

gleamed out of the darkness.

In the harsh light of naked day

you woke up and groaned,

and for the first time

loudly called me by my name.