It’s smoky, so smoky the mirror’s grown dim now And faces just opposite seem indistinct; And couples have no more desire to spin round, But still to the end of my song I will sing. The notes that were needed have long been played out, The wine in the glass burned so strong its flame’s out, The minute-long urge to explain has passed, And I’d better silently drain my glass. The weather’s not spoilt us with sun for a half-year, And under the ice crust lie frozen numb souls; I’ve waited in vain so it seems for the thaw here And memories can’t be warmed up in the cold. The notes that were needed have long been played out, The wine in the glass burned so strong its flame’s out, The minute-long urge to explain has passed, And I’d better silently drain my glass. So weary, the orchestra loses its timing, The circle is closing, I can’t break the ring. Stay calm now! I’d much better take my leave smiling But still to the end of my song I will sing. The notes that were needed have long been played out, The wine in the glass burned so strong its flame’s out, The mirrors’ grins darken, their passion’s passed, And I would do better to smash my glass.
© Margaret & Stas Porokhnya. Translation, 2008