Velimir Khlebnikov
I am borne on the back of an elephant...

I am borne on the back of an elephant
formed by the bodies of maidens.
Everyone everywhere loves me — I am Vishnu
anew, weaving this wintry vision.

You elephant sinews, surely they show you
in fairy-tale hunting processions
to observe that gentle flow to the ground,
that falling form, that amiable trunk.

You black-shadowed visions in white,
whiter, much whiter than blossoms,
your bodies tremble beneath me
slender as nocturnal tendrils.

I am the Bodhisattva on a white elephant:
as always, pensive and slender.
Seeing me, one of these maidens replied
with the fire of a grateful smile.

Remember, to embody a mighty elephant
is nowhere in no way dishonorable.
You virgins, enchanted by dreams,
weave yourselves warmly together.

It is hard to repeat the wave of a tusk,
to shape the form of a massive foot.
The avowal of flutes, of garlanded songs proclaims:
He is with us, upon us, the blue-eyed god!

Translated by Paul Schmidt