Баллада о брошенном корабле [Ballada o broshennom korable] [English translation]

That day pure madness became the norm

Captains, skippers and boys were as equals

Standing up as if they were completely reborn

Sailors scurried on masts, scaring seagulls

Squeaky doors of their minds

Flying off at the hinge

At the thought of mirages

Of land’s lusty fringe.

Those coveted and undiscovered

By Columbus, Magellan and others.

Only I will not see

Those shores abound.

Since the time I flew

Nine knots ran aground.

And the goals of lads

Are as noble as mine.

And where I now am -

No one’s fault, only mine.

All the frigates - my brothers, my fleet pass me by,

But the truest of friends swallowed sea’s salty spray

Turned their bows to meet open seas, open sky,

Set their sails in full, breaking wave.

Cursing weather and fortune,

Fearing nothing but death,

All my children - my crew

Have forsaken my decks

They saluted from lifeboat’s cannon

For Columbus and one for Magellan.

I can only drink foam.

Waves cannot reach my lips.

Tired flanks are exposed

From the deck to the hips.

And my flanks are not pretty,

No hiding the truth.

Go on look!.. At my sores,

For I cannot be soothed.

Near my rib is a hole - mark of black cannonballs

Scares from ramming by pirates and even...

You can also see slashes where I have been mauled,

Barbs and hooks of the pirates receiving.

Now my keel is resembling

AN old guitar.

Coral reefs gave my

Belly a horrible scar.

I am dying and fading and nearing my doom,

Cruel saltwater rotting the deepest of wounds.

Winds are sucking my soul

Through the gaps and the hole,

Off the decks, like the trolls

And my breath they will stall.

I am helpless before them

From morning till night.

Winds are hammering nails

Through my soul with all might.

Like a brawler unleashed, the wind does what it wants.

This wind is most unwelcome guest.

It could drown in wine that is stored in my holds,

Or release me from my lengthy rest.

I took faith in this story

Like a trapped wild beast.

But these winds that are angry,

I need you the least.

Masts of mine like arms of a wretch

Sails like an old breast outstretched.

There will be a miracle during my watch.

Dear friend, the good surf,

Give my body a wash.

Holy water of ocean’s

Life-giving dew

Will remove from my bones The hated taboo,

And will fill up my sails.

My delay will be through.

I’ll catch up to them and forgive

My old friends who forgot to remember.

To my crew, ample decks I’ll give.

I cannot keep a grudge for crewmembers.

Only I think there’s not

Any room in the ranks.

Make some room, hey, corvette,

Or I’ll rip up your flanks.

What’s the matter? I’m back.

I escaped certain death.

Dear frigate, stay back!

We can all catch our breath.

What is with... all of you?

I can leave!.. Not come back.

If I once was marooned,

Is there no way back?

Let me join your call!

Sailships aren’t we all?

There’ll be enough water for all!

There’ll be enough shores for all!

Those coveted and undiscovered

By Columbus, Magellan and others.

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky