Russian poetry in English
Anna Akhmatova

The name of Anna Akhmatova is one of the few names in Russian poetry which enjoys immutable regard among readers, although the Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent social and historical changes might have seemed capable of wiping out all trace of her quiet, lyrical voice, which was in any case given to such long periods of silence.

CONTENTS:

1. Behind my shawl...
2. Door half-open...

1. Behind my shawl ...
   
   Behind my shawl my hands I clutched.
   Why do I look so pale tonight?
   Because I made him drink too much
   Of hopeless grief, a bitter wine.
   
   Can I forget? He walked out swaying,
   His mouth a twisted line of pain.
   I flew downstairs at once insanely,
   And after him ran down the lane.
   
   I shouted: "I was joking, truly!
   Don't leave me, or I'll die!" And he,
   He smiled so frighteningly, so coolly,
   And told me: "Don't stand in the wind".
   
   
2. Door half-open...
   
   Door half-open. Linden
   Blossom scents the air.
   Whip and glove forgotten
   On the secretaire.
   
   Ring of lamplight...Evening
   Rustles come and go.
   Now you chose to leave me-
   Why? I do not know...
   
   Day will dawn tomorrow
   Gay with sparkling skies.
   Life is joy, not sorrow.
   Heart of mine, be wise!
   
   You are quite exhausted,
   Beating ever less...
   Yet I'm told immortal
   Life our souls possess.