Marina Tsvetaeva
Marina. 1. His dove to be, like an eagle!..

1

His dove to be, like an eagle!
More than a mother to be, Marina!
A messenger — a guard — a courier —

A flag-bearer — flatterer of the court!
With a seraph and dog to guard
A sleep restless and full of fear.

Taking a pack of sallow cards for a game,
Legs in stirrup! — through water and flame!
Where on horse — where to swim — where to crawl!

By the swamp — by the willows — by the reeds —
And where horse does not take — fly, all winds
Having been captured in your shawl!

In a black noiseless whirlwind flying,
Not a lady — a handy, I am!
Not to be sole — the second!

A twin — a double — slender
Godbrother in flame of bonfire,
To be his crooked friend.

Clamor of Kremlin's uninvited guests.
If Basmanov is your name, set
Aside — yield before love!

Threw open a chest kerchief, I.
Arms wide open! That on Judgment Day
He won't stand in Basmanov's blood.

Translated by Ilya Shambat