We’d not fought to win you nor felt your embraces
But we loved you, though it’s over now I guess.
Valya, carved upon my heart your darling face is -
But Lesha’s got your features tattooed on his chest.

At the station that day when we separated,
I declared I’d not forget you till I died.
"I’ll remember Valya all my life", I stated -
"Not as much as I will", Lesha then replied.

I don’t know which of we two has suffered most while
We’ve been missing you - so, Valya, you decide:
As for him, his skin’s been pricked to show your profile;
As for me, my soul is pierced deep inside.

When I feel so sick and downcast I can’t take it -
Don’t be angry, Valya, with these words of mine -
I make Lesha strip off till he’s semi-naked
And I gaze at him for hours at a time.

But not long ago a friend set out to stop me
By artistic means from going through this hell -
Lesha modelled while my good pal made a copy
And tattooed your profile on my chest as well.

I don’t speak ill of my friends but still the fact is
You’re much nearer and much dearer to me as
My tattoo - or, rather, yours - is more attractive
And much better, Valya, than the one he has.