Innokenty Annensky
Prison of ice

Bending a wall round the muzzle’s spot.
The misty ice is momentarily gilded...
I am confused by your burning prison,
Formerly blue dream of spring!

Wearied by vain scintillation, you
Both weep and rend yourself, trembling.
But the sun has no triumphant ray
For miracles in the red haze of noon.

You recall a star’s face, but another’s.
Not those flowers looked at themselves in
You, and your end will come upon a patient’s
Heart, if you do not suffocate under earth.

But do not wish to preserve your blue captivity
As a silent witness until spring’s charms
Arrive... You are no dream, you will be only
Decay to the unfettered, thunder-sounding waves.

Translated by R. H. Morrison