With their errant smiles, They had my wings being crumbled, And many times My rale heard like a yowl. And I felt numb because of pain and tiredness, And only whispered - "Thank you, I am alive".                                 And getting patience thread in me torn out I felt the death As if we knew each other long before, For many days It had been circling near and around me The only thing being afraid of Is my throaty voice.         Of which is lies and which is sacred I am aware, Yet realized it very long ago. The only single path I am to dare, No happiness to choose they offered me so far.
© Svetlana Nikulina. Translation, 2013