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“I’ve written down the words …” by Anna Akhmatova 🇷🇺 (23 Jun 1889 – 5 Mar 1966)
Translated from the Russian by Yevgeny Bonver
I’ve written down the words
That I’ve not dared to speak.
My body’s strangely dumb.
Dully my head beats.
​
The horn cries have died.
The heart’s still confused.
On the croquet lawn, light
Autumn snowflakes fused.
​
Let the last leaves rustle!
Let last thoughts torment!
I don’t wish to trouble
Those used to happiness.
​
I forgive those lips, eyes
Of yours, their cruel jest …
Oh, tomorrow we’ll ride
That first wintry sledge.
​
Drawing-room candles will glow
More tenderly in the day.
Of conservatory roses,
I’ll bring a whole bouquet.