The law of the seesaw argues
that your shoes will be loose or tight,
that the hours will be day or night,
and the ruler of earth the rhinoceros
or us.
Закон качелей велит
Иметь обувь то широкую, то узкую.
Времени то ночью, то днем,
А владыками земли быть то носорогу, то человеку.
«1 Tower-bell striking / There in the Kremlin. / Where on the earth is, / Where — Fortress of mine, / Meekness of mine, / Valor of mine, / Holy of mine. Tower-bell striking, / Left-behind striking. / Where on the earth is — / My / Home, / My — dream, / My — laugh,...»
«2 I lift the hands that I let fall / So long ago. / Into a black and empty window / Empty hands / I fling into mid-nocturnal striking / Clocks — I want / To go home! — Like this: head first / — From the tower! — Homeward! Not onto the cobbled square: / Into rustle and wh...»
«3 Harder and harder / Start wringing my hands! / Between us not earthly / Versts — but divisive / Celestial rivers, azure nations, / Where my friend is forever already — / Inalienable. The high road races / In silvery harness. / I don’t wring my hands! / I only extend them ...»
«4 Cover the bedstead / In swarthy olive. / The gods are jealous / Toward mortal love. Each rustle to them / Is distinct, each swish. / Know, this young man is dear / Not to you alone. Some one is incensed / With his luscious May-day. / Mind you, be wary / Of sharp-eyed heaven. ...»