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“The clock--what time it is? …” by Marina Tsvetaeva 🇷🇺 (8 Oct 1892 – 31 Aug 1941)
Translated from the Russian by Ilya Shambat
The clock—what time it is?
Rang out.
Hollows of giant eyes,
Watered satin of the dress …
I just about see you, I guess,
Just about.
​
The neighboring porch
Has turned off the light.
Somewhere they love too much …
Your face’s sketch
Is a scary sight.
​
It’s semi-dark in the room,
Night is one under skies.
Pierced by the light of the moon
Window deepened—
Like sheet of ice.
​
“You give up”—the voice burst.
“I didn’t fight, it was my choice.”
Voice from the moon catches frost.
Voice—like from hundred verst
This same voice!
​
Between us stood ray of moon,
Moving the world everywhere.
Intolerably shone
Metal red-brown
Of crazy hair.
​
Run of the moon forgot
History’s run.
Mirror breaks moon apart.
Knocking of hooves far apart,
Screeching of a cart.
​
Light on the street burned down,
Running fades.
A cock will crow soon
Parting for two young
Ladies.