Bulat Okudzhava
Relentless and untamed...

Relentless and untamed,
Be stubborn, fire, and burn.
Decembers hand their claim
To January’s turn.

We’re plenteously supplied
With merriment and mirth,
One moon to share its light,
One spring to share its warmth.

May years burn black in whole
And then — who cares — They may
Submit you to the rule
Of toughest Judgment Day.

Let pardon stand no chance,
May ages pass; but still,
A sheep, a lamb – hang once.
Just once — not big a deal.

Relentless and untamed,
Be stubborn, fire, and burn.
Decembers hand their claim
To January’s turn.

Translated by Evgenia Sarkisyants