Agniya Barto
The Doorbell

I always know Volodya’s marks
By how the doorbell chimes.
If it's “three” — a middling mark —
He rings three times.

When, suddenly, outside the door
A carillon of bells rings out,
That means he’s earned a “five” or “four”:
Top marks without a doubt.

If the mark is “two” — a bad thing —
Then I can tell from far away:
Two brief, hesitant and sad rings
Inform me how he's done today.

When it’s “one”, to spare us shock,
He doesn’t ring — hut gives a knock.

Translated by Avril Pyman