«Для тех несчастных...» 1990
Translated by Re-Miel ©

* * *

For them you are, were, and will be pearl, 
Whom your first word fills with utter awe. 
They think you ever the nicest girl,
One sight of you is a mortal blow. 

Everyone here spares no effort, sadly, 
Praising your features with every word. 
But me, I know - there is not more deadly 
Creature than you amongst reptile world. 

Through smoke of fashion and silk so whitely,
Ringing in coils, as if to entice, 
Body of dragon is shining brightly,
But oh, that shine isn't for third eyes. 
 
For third eyes in an exquisite blouse,
You sit so gracefully, look so apt. 
And through French book of some kind you browse:
Choderlos de Laclos, no doubt. 

Not just your teeth, but your lips and even,
Your very smile, I will swear to you  
Are so bloodthirsty, I'll be forgiven -   
Even myself terrifies that view.    

This all the funnier makes the blindness,
With which new dandy, doomed like them all,
Shows off, prancing around your highness, 
Like circus elephant on the ball.  

The death marks every and all whom passions
For you, my love, caught in their grip. 
But come good fortune or repercussions -  
This secret is mine alone to keep. 

That I betray it, you need not fear - 
To invite storm I do not much care.
I'd rather whisper 'Goodbye, my dear',
Uncoil my rings and crawl to my lair. 

The death marks every and all whom passions
For you, my love, caught in their grip. 
But come good fortune or repercussions -  
This secret is mine alone to keep. 

That I betray it, you need not fear - 
To invite storm I do not much care.
I'd rather whisper 'Goodbye, my dear',
Uncoil my rings and crawl to my lair.