Innokenty Annensky
The Autumnal Romance

I watch you as coldly as never,
But can’t keep this pine in my breast,
Today sun’s in smoke of havens,
And sadness makes heavy a breath.

I know, I breed just a fable —
At least, trust to fables, — but you?..
Like needless oblations, in alleys,
Leaves fall in the mournful hue.

We’re joined by the fate that was blinded:
Would God join us ‘there’ — behind sky?..
Don’t laugh, if in spring days, delighted,
You’ll step on the lives that here die.

Translated by Yevgeny Bonver