Mikhail Lermontov

If you are here, I want to hear,
You’re absent – I’ve a lot to say; 
But, mute, you look at me severe,
And I am silent on my way.

What can I do? I haven’t a blessing
To please you with my simple tongue…
All this could sometimes be great fun,
If were not so much distressing…


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, November, 2000
Edited by Dmitry Karshtedt, June, 2001