Anna Akhmatova
Over the water

Shepherd boy, out on the plain,
This craze will not subdue.
As I recall the cloak and cane
My agonies ensue.
If I rise, I’ll fall anew.
Little horn plays on: loo-loo!

As in a dream, we bade farewell,
I spoke: “I’ll wait for you.”
“We will meet again in hell,”
And laughing, he withdrew.
If I rise, I’ll fall anew.
Little horn plays on: loo-loo!

O deep water, all ablaze,
In the millpond, shining blue,
Not from sorrow — from disgrace,
I have come to you.
Silently, I’ll fall askew…
Distant horn plays on: loo-loo!

Translated by Andrey Kneller