To Steal Away Poem by Vic Postnikov

Perhaps, the utmost victory
O'er time and o'er gravity -
To pass and leave no legacy,
To pass and leave no shade

On walls…
Perhaps - by shunning
To attain? Erase the mirrorred face?
As Lermontov in Caucasus,
Not having vexed the place.

Or maybe - I should entertain
Myself not touching echo's breath
Of Bach's refrain?
Disintegrate, not leaving stain

On earth …
Perhaps - by cheating
To attain? Quit latitudes' domain?
To steal, like time, o'er ocean's plain,
Not having vexed the wave…

- Marina Tsvetaeva,1923
Trans. Vic Postnikov,2013