- 1. Humor
Tsars, Kings, Emperors,
sovereigns of all the earth,
have commanded many a parade,
but they could not command humor.
...
- 2. Envy
I envy. This secret
I have not revealed before.
I know there is somewhere a boy
whom I greatly envy.
...
- 3. You Are Great In Love
You are great in love.
You are bold.
My every step is timid.
I'll do nothing bad to you,
...
- 4. Prologue
I'm many-sided.
I'm overworked,
and idle too.
I have a goal
...
- 5. Verlaine
The guide was quoting Verlaine to me:
in one gesture of easy fine feeling
he swept his hand over Paris,
under the rustle of the thin rain.
...
- 6. Being Late
Something dangerous is beginning:
I am coming late to my own self.
I made an appointment with my thoughts-
the thoughts were snatched from me.
...
- 7. The Execution Of Stenka Razin
In Moscow, the white-walled capital,
a thief runs with a poppy-seed loaf down the street.
He is not afraid of being lynched today.
There isn't time for loaves...
...
- 8. Picture Of Childhood
Elbowing our way, we run.
Someone is being beaten up in the market.
You wouldn't want to miss it!
We pick up speed, racing to the uproar,
...
- 9. The Heirs Of Stalin
Mute was the marble. Mutely glimmered the glass.
Mute stood the sentries, bronzed by the breeze.
Thin wisps of smoke curled over the coffin.
And breath seeped through the chinks
...
