Innokenty Annensky
Drowsiness

Sonnet

In pink-violet clusters the
Scentless lilac on this
Sultry — soft day is
Motionless, as if in fetters.

No sun, but shadow with shadow
Is in eternally new combinations;
No rain, but rivers of ready tears -
But they are too lazy to flow.

Half-sleep, half-consciousness,
Sadness, but without recollection,
And my soul forgives everything...

But whether or not the harassing cold
Has inflicted its wounds, the unhurried
Light rain is so noiselessly drumming.

Translated by R. H. Morrison