Стаи летят [Stai letyat] [English translation]

By the elbows to the steppe, of faith into ears,

Low bow to the feet, the flocks are flying,

A handkerchief to the heart, a stone around the neck,

A gulp into the throat, maybe they'll forgive.

Long search for a ribbon onto the chest,

Set jaws, time to go ahead1,

Cross under window, the elbows are tired,

Banner onto a bayonet, the wolf guards the sheep.

Gray calm, dream thrown under wheels2,

Trembling veins, belongings are scarce3

Bright and barefoot kukish4 under your nose,

To run alongside on a leash.

Eternal flame, daytime lamps,

Dark stair-flight, the eyes are wider,

Strong brew, cry, dear ones,

Corner, candle, table, icons...

By the elbows to the steppe, the flocks are flying

Maybe they'll forgive...

1. Also can be "time flies ahead"2. Also can be "dream to the sound of wheels"3. "Belongings are scarce" is my interpretation - the original word "nalegke" (or "lightly" in crude translation) does not have a direct translation into English. It can mean "with little or no luggage", "lightly dressed", or it can also serve as an emotional metaphor (lightness of life, lightness of pain, nothing matters anymore and so on).4. Kukish (a fig sign) is an obscene gesture, somewhat akin to the finger, but essentially meaning a turndown, a refusal to help.

• Artist:Yanka Dyagileva