Innokenty Annensky
In The Train Car

We’ve done enough, we’ve said enough —
let’s sit in silence, without smiling;
low-lying clouds are shedding snow
and heaven’s light is slowly fading.

The brittle willows rage and split
in an unspeakable pitched battle.
«Until tomorrow, then,» I say.
«As for today, let’s call it settled.»

Even if boundlessly at fault,
I wish – not dreaming, not entreating —
to stare out at the fields of white
through windows swathed in cotton fleecing.

While you, show off your beauty, shine...
assure me that I have your pardon —
shine with that stream of eventide
around which everything has hardened.

Translated by Boris Dralyuk