Ancient Vase

English translation of a poem by Alexander Kushner "Vase"


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On an ancient vase so fine and grand,
A merry dance, a lively band.
Men in motion, twirling 'round,
Their laughter echoes without a sound.

Who leads and follows, none can tell,
As they dance in an eternal spell.
The carving deep, with lines so bold,
Each figure dances, stories untold.

Amidst the revelry, a man apart,
His head turned back, his heart in art.
His legs raised high, he soars above,
Yet gazes back, filled with longing love.

What distant memory haunts his mind?
A love lost, a friend left behind?
Grief and joy, a bittersweet blend,
In his backward glance, his soul unbend.

Oh, master carver, your art divine,
Transform my life into a dance so fine.
May I spin and sway, my spirit free,
Like those on the vase, forever glee.

I'll heed the whispers of the past,
And dance to melodies that softly cast.
Like the backward-gazing man so dear,
I'll cherish moments, banish fear.

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You can listen to this song via the link:
https://disk.yandex.ru/d/FxBYZZUyz1rmiQ