'Already the maple leaves'

by Anna Akhmatova

　　Cover the swans' pool,

　　And the blood-stained arms

　　Of late-ripening rowan.

　　And, dazzlingly slender,

　　Crossed legs impervious to cold,

　　She sits on a northern stone,

　　And gazes at the road.

　　Ifelt a vague fear,

　　In front of this famous girl.

　　Rays of thinning light

　　Playing over her shoulders.

　　And how could I forgive her

　　Your delight, your enamoured praise…

　　Look there, elegantly naked,

　　It's a joy to her to be sad.