Speaking In Tongues
Guided by Voices

Ivan Bunin

Epitaph

Translated by Andrey Kneller





A virgin and a bride, I passed away
He told me my allure was gleaming
Of love, in frenzy I was only dreaming
With brief delight, I would survive the day


One April day I simply walked away
I left forever, passive and not grieving
But there was still a reason in my living:
I, for his love, have never passed away


Here, in the silence of the graveyard lanes,
Where only wind sweeps half in slumber,
All speaks of joy and spring with wonder,


Love's sonnet on the cherished tomb remains
And sings of me in deathless somber, --
And bluish skies are gliding down the lanes.