Sergey Esenin
Fog covered the distance...

Fog covered the distance,
The moon combs the clouds.
Red evening behind the fish string
Spreads a curly drag net.

Under the window, the wind
Oversang through slippy willows.
Quiet gloom, a warm angel,
Slaked by foreign light.

The izba’s slumber, effortlessly, sows
Parables with the spirit of the grain.
On the dry straw of the dray, the muzhik’s
Sweat is sweeter than honey.

Someone’s soft face behind the forest,
It smells of cherries and moss...
Friend, comrade and peer,
Pray for the sighs of the cow.

Translated by Samuel Muratov