"Osip Mandelstam. Tristia (tranlsation by Ilya Shambat) (англ.)" - читать интересную книгу автора

In the Petropolis of shades we will expire

Prosepina reigns above us in her power
With every breath partaking dying air,
Closer to death with every passing hour.
The goddess of the sea, mighty Athena,
Do please take off the giant stone attire.
In the Petropolis of shades we will expire.
In this place reigns not you, but Proserpina.



x x x


1
In Sunday marvel disbelieving
We walked through cemetery stones
The land all over as you know
Reminds me of these hills at dawn
Where Russia tears itself free
Over a black and deafening sea.

2
From monastery mount
Meadow runs long and still.
I wish not head south
From wilds of Vladimir.
But in this darkened, wooden
And ugly country rubble
To stay with drunken nun
Means only trouble.

3
I kiss the suntanned elbow
And waxen forehead skin.
I know -- under tanned yellow -
It still is white and thin.
I kiss the place where bracelet
Has left a stripe of pale.
Taurida's flaming summer
Creates such miracle.

4
How soon did you grow tanner
And came to mass to bow
You kissed the cross forever
Grew proud in Moscow
To us remains but naming:
Until the end