Kolya, darling, how are you, my beloved hubby?
In the first lines of this mail - greetings from afar.
I’m afraid when you arrive, nicely-dressed and chubby,
You won’t pause before by my door, busy as you are.

When you left, I wept and wept. Women came all running.
"Oh, this parting," they agreed, "is the end for her!"
I was missing you so much that they held me, hugging,
Though the reasons not to miss greater than before.

Pashka came another day, your ill-fated cousin.
How did I find strength in me to resist his will?
He’s been lurking for three nights, looking drunk and sullen.
Comes to make a pass at me, drinks to get a thrill.

Rumor has it you received a substantial bonus,
And that Bor’ka, our big guy, won a major prize!
I’m so jealous of that bull, but you hardly notice,
Though I love you very much, far more than he does!

In my dreams, I saw you sick, drinking with no measure.
If you have some gloomy thoughts, please don’t pain yourself:
The agronomist and I took a walk together,
But we only talked of you, and of nothing else.

I’m all right, but I’m concerned for your own well-being!
An important figure came, speaking for two nights.
There are way more gals than lads, I heard on this meeting,
And the capital today has all sorts of vice.

Kolya, darling, please don’t drink. That’s not prim and proper.
Here at home, feel free to binge or just have a few.
For I don’t need anyone, even this clodhopper,
Though he is a cultured man, more refined than you.

There’s a problem with our barn. When it rains, it’s leaking.
I can’t bear to live alone. Who will make it well?
Please come home, no matter what, you are missed so deeply!
If you can, please write a note what they have to sell.