Igor Severyanin
Lilac ice cream!

“Lilac ice cream! Lilac ice cream!
Half a portion a dime! One bit for a scoop!
Have some, sir! Buy one, madam,
                            No need to argue,
It’s as cheap as you need. Something just made for you,
The great cuisine of the streets.

“I’ve got no custard ices, the pistachio’s all gone,
Good people, come on! Why ask for caramel?
It’s time to popularize, acquire the common people’s tastes!
Out with gourmet refinements, sing gluttony’s praise.

“Lilac is license’s symbol. As its tender pink crown
                            Lists to one side,
Ice over, you waterfall heart, in a fragrant sweet bloom...
Ice cream from lilac! Lilac ice cream.
Hey there, the kid with that honey drink there,
                You’ll love it, young friend, just you try.”

Translated by Bernard Meares