Konstantin Balmont

I’ve seen the ibis over Nile’s blue waters,
The pink flamingoes and the mighty hawk,
Embracing sun with wings and having blocked
Flight into glide – with strengths of sunny cohorts.

The tropic night was claiming with its hopers 
That in old Mexico, earth’s making song and talk,
The Indian bee is bringing me its stock,
The flower’s spreading sacred censers’ odors.

The Southern Cross was crowning the warm sea,
The bird-flute singing goodness in men souls…
I’ve known much, a lot of lands I’ve seen.

But tho’ the world was gorgeous round me,
I love the Russia’s starry tale in snows
And woods where birches – brides in wedding glee. 


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, August, 2003