Alexander Blok
I recall the nervous trepidation...

I recall the nervous trepidation
Of your gentle shoulders as we spoke.
And the warm caress, mid-conversation,
Unexpected, following a joke.

And your musical voice, reaching far,
And your hair’s dark red coloration,
And the lilac’s five-pointed star
In the hour of our separation.

And something much greater, of course:
As music and light whirled in space —
Your extended and welcoming gaze,
And mysterious loyalty... yours.

Translated by Andrey Kneller