What Happened when Anna Walked at Night

The night was strange a little bit
When Anna chanced to walk.
She strolled along a lonely street
With nobody to talk.

She came across a jewel-case
And heard a tempting voice,
"You've got a miracle to face
And make a special choice!

An enigmatic, ancient ring
Is gently kept inside.
This celebrated, magic thing
Is meant for luck and pride.

Accepting such a priceless thing
You'll gain a happy lot -
An everlasting life and spring -
To grieve and worry not!

Forever young and comely, miss,
You'll neither weep nor sigh
That everyone you used to kiss
One day will age and die.

Believe, you'll easily forget
Their sorrowful depart.
You'll leave your weaknesses and get
A spotless stony heart.

The brightest star will guide your way
With silver rays of light.
And every night and every day
Will bring a new delight.

You must be brave enough to use
The chance you've always sought.
The miracle, my lovely muse,
May change your life and lot."

"Your loveliness," beguiled the voice,
"Will never (never!) fade.
I guess the necessary choice
Is ultimately made…"

"I've made my choice," the girl replied,
"It's truly right, I say."
She took the ring and sadly smiled,
And threw it far away.

A nightingale was heard to sing
When Anna passed the test,
And having left the mystic ring,
She felt relieved and blest.

The nightly shadows danced and seemed
To have a kind of fun.
The magic jewel gently gleamed
To tempt… another one.


(с) Янина Маркова (Nina Siberian), 2011