Osip Mandelshtam
On the pale-blue enamel...

On the pale-blue enamel,
that April can bring,
birch branches’ imperceptible
sway, slipped towards evening.

A network of finely etched lines,
is the pattern’s finished state,
the carefully-made design,
like that on a porcelain plate,

the thoughtful artist set,
on the glazed firmament,
oblivious to sad death,
knowing ephemeral strength.

Translated by A. S. Kline