January 18, 2022

Poesia russa - Those born in uneventful days

 


‘Those born in uneventful days,’

Those born in uneventful days,

fail to recall the track.

We – born of Russia’s fearful years –

cannot forget a single thing.

The incinerating age of ashes!

Do you bring news of hope or madness?

The days of war, the days of freedom

have left a blood-red sheen on our faces.

There’s dumbness: the tocsin bell

has forced us to seal our lips.

In our hearts, once full of fire,

extends a fateful emptiness.

Let the croaking ravens soar

on high, above our death-bed –

May those who are worthier,

Behold, O Lord, Your Kingdom!


                — Aleksándr Blok (1880-1921)

Translated by A. S. Kline © Copyright 2002-2011 All Rights Reserved

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