Anna Akhmatova
Escape

To O. A. Kuzmina-Karavaeva

“If we reach the shore, we’re spared,
My beloved!” — “Silence, please…”
We began to descend down the stairs,
Breathless, and searching for keys.

Leaving buildings behind in the night,
Where we used to drink wine and dance,
Past the Senate’s columns of white,
Into darkness, we quickly advanced.

“You are mad, you have lost it at last!” —
“No, I love only you senselessly, —
This evening is boisterous and vast,
The ship will be merry at sea!”

My throat was constricted with fear,
The boat was concealed on the water…
My trembling nostrils were seared
By the ropes’ overpowering odor.

“Could you tell me now, unabashed,
Am I dreaming? This happens whenever…”
Just the oars continued to splash
On the long heavy waves of the Neva.

The dark sky began to grow light,
On the bridge, someone hollered, distressed,
With both of my hands I squeezed tight
The chain with the cross on my chest.

Drained of strength, you carried me up.
In your arms, like a young girl I lay.
We came up to the deck of the yacht,
To the light of the undying day.

Translated by Andrey Kneller