I traverse the magnetic tape’s surface... Am I dreaming a beautiful dream? But the bed sheets are crumpled on purpose, And the overhead lights are kept dim. Or the candles are simply extinguished... I wake up - sticky sweat and cold chills. In my sleep, praising speech is not finished, And the torch keeps on burning at will! I feel wasted, I’m sickly and fragile, A man-eater devouring himself, I keep gnawing my hands like a jackal: That is it! That is all! Nothing else! From my heart, tear away the aorta, - It’s high time for my heart to be served. I should send my distress to post mortem, Separate me away from myself! It’s a time in our lives lacking luster. Bygone days with no surplus to live. Our life paths carry secrets and laughter, You’re not doomed if you still can forgive!
© Kirill Tolmachev. Translation, 2025