Tango with the Cows

To H. N. Slavorosov (One of Russia's first aviators)

Life is briefer than a sparrow's squeal.

But could that be a dog that sails there

on the icy block

over the springtime river?

While we, with joy of tinder,

Stare upon our fate.

We – the Discoverers of Countries –

And we – the Conquerors of Airs –

The kings of orange groves,

The lifestockmagnates.

So, should we drink ourselves,

Perhaps,

A cup of wine

To toast the health of Comets,

The Comets streaming out with diamond blood?

Or better yet - wind up our gramophone?

Oh well - to hell with y'all!

The hornless and the irons!

I want to dance – to dance alone –

A tango with the cows –

And toss my bridges over –

From the tears

Of a bullheaded jealousy

Right to the tears

Of a scarlet girl.

 

Greet the Revolution’s Morning

Do greet each other gladly with your smiles,

And crown all flowers with your hearts.

Do dream on dawns

Above your childish wobbles,

Where crosses shine upon pink ribbons;

Be inexhaustible poets of days

Belonging to mornings in blood!

Throw from your hearts

The words made of crystal

Right into the heart of love.

Fly ringing with freedom and rimming like birds,

Weaving your nests upon the rose Dawns,

With spring-like, and clear, and youth-breathing faces,

Keep smiling inside lilac groves!

Sing, as the sun, with sun-glistened poems

Ringing the bells of fun days,

Call to and play with all cleanly kids,

And live to throw constant housewarmings.

But whenever you meet miraculous pressures,

Do sing of Revolution’s glory

At length, with desperation –

And let the mountains be in awe.