sick transit
This is my translation of «сик транзит».
anywhere i arrive—noise in ears
landings-transfers
scar's smoothness in hand
vision fades fast
smoke from ostankino brings
ye olde temple's remnants over the land
could you spare some change
or note in desperation deranged
the golden age has run out
there in front of me rise
stamps and monograms
pressing heavy on lids of eyes
wings of griffins shout
absolutely top secret
and everything's known
and pea pea pea pea pea
repeating is time
in a slow imperceptible drone
take care not to kill your god
don't change shortcuts
on your cluttered desk's top
saturday ring me up
and never dare
name your fears aloud (full stop
sing along with the band
always pay your dues
and march forward brave and solemn
i pam'iataï zavzhdy
bile zalyshaiet'sia
bilym a chorne chornym