Osip Mandelshtam
Equinox

Orioles are in the woods, and vowels' length
In tonic verses is the single measure known.
But only once a year does nature know in strength
Duration in her meter, as in Homer's own.

Caesura-like's the yawning of that day's expanse,
Ease and a labored lengthiness from morning on.
The oxen pasture, and in golden indolence
A whole note's richness from the reed is barely drawn.

Translated by Alan Shaw