Ivan Bunin
Epitaph

A virgin and a bride, I passed away
He used to tell me my allure was gleaming
Of love, in frenzy, I was only dreaming, —
And with delight, I lived in brief dismay.

One April day I simply walked away,
I left forever, passive and not grieving —
But there was still a reason in my living:
I, for his love, have never passed away.

Here, in the silence of the graveyard lanes,
Where just the dreamy wind blows to and fro,
All speaks of joy and melting of the snow.

Love’s sonnet on the cherished tomb remains
And sings a song of me in deathless woe,
And azure skies are gliding down the lanes.

Translated by Andrey Kneller