"Like a White Stone"

by Anna Akhmatova

　　As hard and clear, a memory lies in me.

　　I cannot strive nor have I heart for striving:

　　It is such pain and yet such ecstasy.

　　It seems to me that someone looking closely

　　Into my eyes would see it, patent, pale.

　　And, seeing, would grow sadder and more thoughtful

　　Than one who listens to a bitter tale.

　　The ancient gods changed men to things, but left them

　　A consciousness that smoldered endlessly,

　　That splendid sorrows might endure forever.

　　And you are changed into a memory.