Mikhail Kuzmin

The quiet waters of the factories’ pools -- 
The fully filled wounds of the rivers, stunned,
Deadly, the dams interrupted your run,
Deathly – the rhythmic machines' push and pull.

Smell of the sulfur and lime here steels, --
Instead of the one of the groves and grass,
Steadily, it’s drenched in -- the poisoned mass,
Clear and simple are sizes of wheels. 

Look! Sluices shuddered and waters poured,
The waterfall splashes with foam and streams!
Passing the buildings and gardens, it streams!
All obligations are fully forgot!

Now the shores are peaceful again
Noise behind hills and a whistle ceased…
The former flow is gentle and plain,
The waves are peaceful,… poisoned, diseased.


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, December, 2000