Translation of Poem by Ivan Bunin, "Памяти," "IN REMEMBRANCE

 

Ivan Bunin

(1870-1953)

 

Памяти

 

Ты мысль, ты сон. Сквозь дымную метель
Бегут кресты — раскинутые руки.
Я слушаю задумчивую ель —
Певучий звон… Всё — только мысль и звуки!

То, что лежит в могиле, разве ты?
Разлуками, печалью был отмечен
Твой трудный путь. Теперь их нет. Кресты
Хранят лишь прах. Теперь ты мысль. Ты вечен.

 

<Декабрь 1906>

 

 

Literal Translation

 

Memories

 

You’re a thought, you’re a dream. Through the hazy blizzard

The crosses fly—arms spread wide.

I listen to the pensive spruce tree—

A melodious ringing . . . Everything is just thought and sounds!

 

That which lies in the grave, could that be you?

Your difficult path [through life] was marked out by sadness, partings

That are no more. The crosses preserve

Only dust. Now you’re a thought. You’re eternal.

 

d

 

Literary Translation/Adaptation By U.R. Bowie

 

In Remembrance

 

A thought you are, a dream; through blizzard’s haze

They fly, with arms spread wide, the crosses slanted.

I listen to the brooding spruce, its hum of praise: 

All is naught but thought and sounds decanted.

 

That thing that lies ‘neath earth, could that be you?

Your earthly path was strewn with sorrow, anguish.

Now none of that remains; a slanting cross askew.

You’re dust; you’re thought; in ageless time you languish.