Vladislav Khodasevich
Evening

Ruddy Mars climbs high above the agave,
But the peaceful shop lights of this port
Genoa, once mysterious and savvy —
Seem to us to shine more brightly forth.

The mountains' coastal spurs grow dimmer,
Dust, sea, and wine exude a mingled smell.
On the road a straggling donkey lingers,
We hear his hasty steps, his plashing bell...

Was it not on such a night, the starry
Heavens curing to a deeper blue,
On such a donkey's back that Mary
Bid teeming Bethlehem adieu?

Hoof beats clattered, now hesitant, now frequent,
Joseph lagged behind, all swathed in sand...
What did the ragged Jewess want with Egypt,
Strangers' sheep, a strange and hostile land?

A mother weeps. The child beneath her mantle
Seeks her breast with sleepy lips,
Under rustling palms the donkeys amble,
Whilst distant starlight guides the fugitives.

Translated by Alyssa Gillespie