Bulat Okudzhava
April Duty

But the nights are really absolutely stunning.
Only mother's restless worrying has grown:
Why must you go wandering, my honey,
On your own? On your own?

I run from one end of April to the other.
Stars above me mellowed down, grew big as apples.
Nothing's wrong: I am on duty, mother.
I'm responsible for April.

But my baby, things have changed since you've been roaming.
But my child, your eyes are sad, I don't believe you.
Has there been some trouble with a woman?
Did she leave you? Did she leave you?

I run from one end of April to the other.
Stars above me mellowed down, grew big as apples.
Please don't worry: I am on duty, mother.
I'm responsible for April.

Translated by Tanya Wolfson