Winter night

Blizzards were blowing everywhere
Throughout the land.
A candle burned upon the table,
A candle burned.


As midgets in the summer fly
Towards a flame,
The snowflakes from the yard swarmed to
The window pane.


And, on the glass, bright snowy rings
And arrows formed.
A candle burned upon the table,
A candle burned.


And on the white illumined ceiling
Shadows were cast,
As arms and legs and destinies
Fatefully crossed.


Two slippers fell on to the floor
With a light sound,
And waxen tears dripped from the candle
On to a gown.


No object in the misty whiteness
Could be discerned.
A candle burned upon the table,
A candle burned.


A mild draught coming from the corner
Blew on the candle,
Seduction's heat raised two wings crosswise
As might an angel.


It snowed and snowed that February
All through the land.
A candle burned upon the table,
A candle burned.





BORIS PASTERNAK