You — unforgettable — are so forgetful! / Marina Tsvetaeva

You — unforgettable — are so forgetful!

You look like a smile of yours when graced upon me.

Should I say more — more handsome than golden dawning!

Should I say more — unique in all creation!

By Love you’re held a prisoner of passion!

As fair as by Chellini sculptured chalice.

My friend, allow me in ancient manner

Tell you about love, among all loves, the gentlest:

I love you. Wind is howling in the fireplace.

I’m still, I’m staring at the raging fire —

I do love you. My love is strong and pure.

I speak the language of the true and virtuous.

Friend, all will pass. Hands squeezing temples harder —

Life will release, young prisoner of passion.

And Love will set you free, yet the auspicious

And sailing voice of mine shall proudly thunder

That once upon a time there lived and wandered

You, unforgettable, and so forgetful!

Marina Tsvetaeva

Photo by Petra Teeuwsen