Konstanin Vanshenkin

I was severe, focused all
And, in the spring of my life here, 
Had not a mercy for men’ faults,
And their mentions did not hear.

How often was I there upset,
And in non-love stayed ever restless!
To say all truth, I’m falling, yet,
By chance, in fits of such a “madness”.

But, having with my past life links,
Right now, I have less to bear:
Becoming softer with men’ things,
And with my own – more severe.


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, August, 2001