Boris Pasternak
Declaration of Love

Life returned as much without a reason
As it once had halted on a dime.
I am back: the same old street and season
As before — that summer day and time.

Same good folks; same troubles make them worry.
And the sunset has not cooled at all
Since the evening death that in a hurry
Pinned it at Mane’ge against the wall.

Women wear the same catchpenny garments
And the shabby shoes for strolls at night.
Then the same unyielding dingy garrets
On roof iron have them crucified.

Here is one who, on a listless saunter,
Slowly leaves her basement stepping hard.
Off the porch, as if she thought I’d called her,
She heads over, right across the yard.

Once again I’ve trumped up some excuses,
And again I am detached and numb.
So around the back the neighbor cruises,
And at last she leaves us one-on-one.
____________________

Don’t cry; don’t purse your swollen lips,
And don’t you let them quiver.
You’ll chafe the scab that’s marked you since
The cold that spring delivered.

Do take your palm off of my chest:
We’re bare wires in a clutter
And may again, as years suggest,
Be flung toward each other.

With time, a marriage you’ll accept,
Forget the years of umbrage.
To be a woman — such a step!
To drive insane — great courage!

And I, bewitched by women’s arms
And necks and backs and shoulders,
Forever serve them for just alms
In awe like all beholders.

Hard as the night will make me stay
And hold with sly devices,
A stronger passion calls away:
The breakup quest entices. 

Translated by Yuri Menis