Innokenty Annensky
Sonnet

For the time being it is still granted to us, while
Living, to pine in an anguish of increasing dread,
But already it is decreed that hearts shall deceive
Each other and lie to themselves while growing cold;

For the time being, clinging to the frozen
Window, the Shadow of Infirmity watches
Us by night, and only the torturing circle’s
Ends are not joined in the final link.

When I, consumed by anguish, wish to understand that world,
That moment with its mirage — like paradise, already the
Moment is not — only lifeless light is glimmering...

And the garden has run wild... and the door thence
Is barred... and snow is falling... and a black
Silhouette has grown cold on the granite’s mirror.

Translated by R. H. Morrison