There are two Mays by Emily Dickinson

Смогу, хоть Май,
потом решусь,
а после уж сберусь.
Сколь переменчива сама,
что буду видеть Вас!



(Эта игра слов с "may, must, shall, will" - непереводима,
но сохранить дух стиха с "переменчивым Маем" - можно.)

[David Preest:
Emily sent a copy of this poem with a basket of mayflowers
to the wife of George S.Dickerman, who had been pastor
of the First Congregational Church since the previous
June of 1883. Perhaps Mrs Dickerman has asked if she might
call on Emily. Emily replies, ‘Well, there are two Mays
(the ‘May’ we are now in and the ‘I May’ be able to see you).
Then comes the ‘I Must’ see you. And then the ‘I shall’ see you,
I am determined to see you. But it will require a massive
compromise and change of attitude on my part before
I am able to say ‘I will’ definitely see you.]

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There are two Mays by Emily Dickinson

There are two Mays          
And then a Must             
And after that a Shall.      
How infinite the compromise 
That indicates I will!